Israeli forces push deeper into southern Lebanon as Lebanese and Israeli military officials begin direct talks in Washington. Several outlets report that Israeli troops enter the village of Dibbine, near Marjayoun, early Friday, during the ongoing conflict. At the same time, Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon are reported to have killed at least six people. Reported deaths include five killed in strikes on villages of Deir Qanoun al Nahr and Abbasiyeh, and a municipal policeman killed in Ebba, according to state media cited by one outlet.
In Washington, a six-member Lebanese military delegation meets with Israeli military officials for the first direct military talks between the two countries in decades. The talks take place at the Pentagon. One report says the Lebanese delegation is led by Brig. Gen. George Rizkallah, the head of operations, and intends to press for broader discussions, including reactivating a committee monitoring enforcement of an earlier U.S.-backed arrangement. A nominal ceasefire that had been in effect since April 17 is also referenced. The sources collectively describe the simultaneous troop movement, airstrikes, and renewed military-to-military dialogue.
