Israeli airstrikes across southern Lebanon kill at least 14 people ahead of scheduled security talks in Washington, according to reports from multiple outlets. The fighting comes as Lebanese and Israeli military officials prepare to hold their first security discussions in the U.S. capital. The talks are set against a nominal ceasefire that begins on April 17, with sources describing it as fragile and noting that attacks have continued despite the extension or continuation of the ceasefire.
France 24 reports that an Israeli strike hits a southern suburb of Beirut on Thursday afternoon, damaging an apartment building. It is not immediately clear from the reporting who was targeted. Other coverage from The Hindu similarly describes strikes across southern Lebanon, including additional casualties, while noting that Beirut is spared by some accounts.
The upcoming Washington talks are presented as a key step in security coordination between the two sides, taking place the day after the reported strike and before the negotiating sessions begin.
