In a remarkable statement Monday afternoon, Lebanon called for direct talks with Israel on “permanent arrangements for security and stability on our borders,” while accusing the Iranian-backed militant group Hezbollah of betraying the country.

In recent days, the attacks on northern Israel have not stopped. Anti-tank missile incidents targeting IDF forces along the northern border have also continued.

Israel carried out a commando raid in eastern Lebanon to search for clues about a navigator who went missing 40 years ago.

BEIRUT (AP) — The Lebanese parliament extended its term by two years on Monday due to the U.S.-Israel war with Iran, which has pushed the region into an escalating conflict, and Israel stepped up its attacks on Lebanon following renewed strikes with the militant group Hezbollah.

By Maya Gebeily, Alexander Cornwell and Laila Bassam BEIRUT/TEL AVIV, March 7 (Reuters) - Israel warned Lebanon of a "very heavy price" if it did not rein in Iran-backed Hezbollah on Saturday, as it pounded the group's strongholds around the country with air strikes and mounted a deadly airborne raid in the east.

Israel resumed heavy strikes against Hezbollah in Beirut's southern suburbs and other areas Tuesday as its troops advanced into southern Lebanon.

After meeting with the chief of staff of the French military in ⁠Beirut, Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun asked Macron to intervene to "prevent ⁠the targeting of the southern suburbs following threats by the Israeli army against its residents," the Lebanese presidency said in a separate statement.

By Maya Gebeily, Laila Bassam and Maayan Lubell BEIRUT/JERUSALEM, March 7 (Reuters) - Israel warned Lebanon of a "disastrous" fallout if it did not rein in Iran-backed Hezbollah on Saturday, as it pounded the group's strongholds around the country with air strikes and mounted a deadly airborne raid in the east.