Israeli blasts rock southern Lebanon as Rome talks continue
16:04, 15/07/2026, WednesdayU: Update: 17:08, 15/07/2026, Wednesday
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Lebanon's National News Agency reported that Israeli forces carried out multiple explosions in southern border towns and flew drones over Beirut early Wednesday, as negotiators convened in Rome for a second day of talks aimed at securing a phased Israeli withdrawal from occupied territories.
The Israeli army carried out a series of explosions in southern Lebanon's border towns early Wednesday, Lebanon's National News Agency said, as the sixth round of direct negotiations with Israel resumed in Rome for a second day. Israeli drones also flew over Beirut and its southern suburbs as the escalation continued, the agency noted.
Explosions rock border towns
Israeli forces detonated a large explosive device at approximately 3 a.m. local time in the eastern neighborhood of Khiam within Marjayoun district, before conducting a second blast in the town of Qantara later that morning, the National News Agency reported. The agency said Israeli troops also conducted wide-scale explosions targeting valleys and homes in Beit Yahoun, located in Bint Jbeil district. The demolitions coincided with Israeli bulldozing of roads connecting Bint Jbeil city to the border town of Maroun al-Ras, while soldiers opened fire on residents attempting to inspect orchards near Majdal Zoun and Mansouri, though no injuries were reported.
Rome talks continue
The Italian capital has hosted the sixth round of direct negotiations since Tuesday, following five previous rounds in Washington that produced a framework agreement for phased Israeli withdrawal beginning with two pilot areas. A US State Department spokesperson confirmed that the Rome sessions were "productive and held in a positive atmosphere," though the framework does not establish a specific timetable for the pullout. The agreement links withdrawal to the Lebanese army assuming full security responsibility in vacated areas and the disarmament of non-state armed groups, with specific reference to Hezbollah.
Death toll mounts
Israeli attacks in Lebanon have killed at least 4,324 people, injured 12,223 and displaced more than 1 million since March 2, according to official Lebanese figures. Israel continues to occupy areas in southern Lebanon, some held for decades and others seized during the 2023-24 war, despite the ongoing negotiations.