On Monday, the Israeli military reported a drone strike in southern Lebanon that resulted in the death of Mohammad Shaheen, the leader of Hamas’ military operations in the region.

This strike occurred as Israel announced that its forces would maintain a presence in five crucial locations in southern Lebanon, despite a deadline for withdrawal that is set for Tuesday. This pullback is part of a ceasefire agreement reached in November, following a lengthy conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.

The Lebanese government has expressed strong opposition to any delays in the Israeli troop withdrawal.

According to the Israeli military, Shaheen was allegedly involved in orchestrating recent terror initiatives funded and guided by Iran from Lebanese soil aimed at Israeli citizens.

Hamas confirmed Shaheen’s death, identifying him as a military commander.

Here’s the latest update:

Protests Erupt in Israel Amid Ongoing War

People in Israel have taken to the streets to protest the ongoing war in Gaza, marking 500 days of conflict while calling for advancements in the next phase of a ceasefire agreement to facilitate the return of all hostages.

One of the hostages released recently, Iair Horn, addressed a gathering in Tel Aviv through a video message: “Hi everyone, I’m Iair Horn. I was freed from Hamas captivity just two days ago after 498 days. I experienced life in the tunnels firsthand. The hostages are in urgent need of being brought home—now. Time is of the essence.”

His brother, Eitan, remains among the captives.

Demonstrators in Jerusalem voiced their concerns and worries about the conditions faced by the remaining hostages. “It’s hard to believe they’re still there, and there’s little we can do,” commented protester Eleanor Satlow.

Netanyahu’s Testimony Delayed Again

TEL AVIV, Israel — A court in Israel has once more granted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s request to cancel a scheduled day of testimony in his criminal trial, citing “security concerns.” Netanyahu is the first sitting Israeli prime minister to testify as a criminal defendant, facing multiple charges including fraud, breach of trust, and bribery in three distinct cases.

Initially, his testimony was to occur six hours a day, three days each week. However, it has faced numerous cancellations since he first took the stand in December, due to health issues and the demands of his governmental duties. Israel is currently managing fragile ceasefires in both Gaza and Lebanon as well as increased regional tensions.

On Monday, Netanyahu’s legal team also petitioned the Jerusalem District Court to reduce his testimony days from three to two each week, citing the complexities of his role as prime minister amid current security and diplomatic challenges. The court has yet to respond to this request.

Lebanon Continues Flight Suspension from Iran

BEIRUT — Lebanon has extended its ban on flights to and from Iran, instructing security agencies to ensure that the country’s sole international airport is accessible.

Hezbollah leader Naim Kassem stated on Sunday that Israel has threatened retaliatory strikes if an Iranian aircraft lands at Beirut airport. He criticized the Lebanese government for prohibiting an Iranian commercial flight last week. The Israeli military has accused Iran of transporting funds to Hezbollah via these flights.

Travelers stranded in Tehran remain unable to return, and Lebanon’s foreign minister has been tasked with facilitating the safe repatriation of Lebanese citizens, following a Cabinet meeting with President Joseph Aoun.

Supporters of Hezbollah have recently protested and blocked roads near Beirut airport. In a related incident, the outgoing deputy commander of the U.N. peacekeeping forces in Lebanon sustained injuries during an attack on a convoy transporting peacekeepers to the airport.

Kassem sought to distance Hezbollah from the confrontation, stating that “we’re against the attack on UNIFIL,” while also taking issue with the Lebanese army’s use of tear gas against protesters who had gathered “peacefully.”

Israeli Military Remains Committed to Withdrawal from Lebanon

JERUSALEM — An Israeli military spokesperson confirmed that forces will persist in five strategically significant locations in southern Lebanon following the upcoming withdrawal deadline.

Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani noted that the current deployment allows observation capabilities, positioned opposite northern Israeli communities. This “temporary measure” received approval from a U.S.-led group overseeing the ceasefire with Hezbollah.

Shoshani reiterated that Israel is committed to executing the withdrawal process “correctly, gradually, and rigorously ensuring the safety of our civilians.”

Per the ceasefire agreement, Israeli forces are to exit a designated buffer zone in southern Lebanon, which will subsequently be supervised by the Lebanese military and U.N. peacekeepers. The ceasefire has remained intact since its initiation in late November, despite ongoing accusations from both sides of violations.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun stated that the ceasefire must be honored, emphasizing that “the Israeli adversary cannot be trusted.”

Aoun also revealed that Lebanese officials are striving to achieve the full withdrawal of Israeli forces, asserting, “I will not accept a single Israeli soldier remaining on Lebanese soil.”

Israeli Forces’ Continued Presence Post-Withdrawal Deadline

JERUSALEM — An anonymous Israeli official disclosed that military forces would maintain a presence at five essential locations in southern Lebanon after the Tuesday deadline for complete withdrawal.

Lebanon has opposed any further delays regarding the Israeli troop withdrawal, as stipulated in the ceasefire agreement that concluded hostilities with Hezbollah.

— Reported by Melanie Lidman

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