Israel Continues Strikes on Syria and Lebanon Despite US Diplomatic Push

Israeli forces have continued artillery fire, air raids and ground operations in parts of Syria and Lebanon despite ongoing US-backed diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions and ending the fighting.

In Syria, Israeli forces shelled a strategic hill near Beit Jinn in the western Damascus countryside on Wednesday night. Local reports also said Israeli troops raided and searched a home in Taranja village in the Quneitra countryside.

The latest attacks came days after Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani met Israeli intelligence officials in Jordan for US-mediated talks. Damascus said the discussions were intended to address continued Israeli attacks, arrests and military operations inside Syria.

Israel has carried out hundreds of strikes in Syria since the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad in December 2024. Israeli troops have also moved into a UN-patrolled buffer zone separating Israeli and Syrian forces near the occupied Golan Heights.

In Lebanon, Israeli aircraft struck several areas in the south, including al-Mansouri in the Tyre district and Sarbine in the Bint Jbeil district. Israeli artillery also targeted Wadi Zibqin, while air raids hit Beit Lif and Yater.

Israeli forces also continued demolishing structures in southern Lebanon, while explosions were reported in several towns. Drones were reportedly seen flying at low altitude over Beirut and its southern suburbs.

The attacks have continued despite a US-brokered framework agreement intended to end hostilities. The agreement calls for a phased Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon in exchange for the deployment of the Lebanese army and the disarmament of armed groups, including Hezbollah.

Lebanon's Ministry of Health says Israeli military operations have killed 4,350 people and injured 12,310 since March 2.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has defended continued negotiations, saying diplomacy remains the best option for avoiding another devastating war. However, critics have questioned whether the United States is doing enough to pressure Israel to halt its attacks.

Political analysts have also expressed doubts about the prospects of a breakthrough in the Syria-Israel negotiations, amid continued military escalation across the region.

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