Following the highest level contacts in decades between Israel and Lebanon last week, a U.S. State Department spokesperson said Washington would host a second round of ambassador-level talks between Lebanon and Israel on Thursday. Hezbollah strongly opposes the contacts.

Hezbollah politicians affirmed a “cautious commitment” to the 10-day cease-fire, which appeared to be holding on its first day. A truce could remove an obstacle in U.S.-Iran peace talks.

Israel's strikes on bridges and high-rises in Gaza and Lebanon are symbolic, revealing the limits of its military power as Hezbollah and Hamas maintain control in both regions.

Israel has established a “Yellow Line” in southern Lebanon and carried out strikes near the boundary, saying actions were taken against “immediate threats” despite a fragile ceasefire.

By Thomas Suen and Louisa Gouliamaki TYRE, Lebanon, April 17 (Reuters) - Hassan Abu Khalil's family miraculously survived six weeks of war in southern Lebanon, but tragedy struck in the final minutes before a ceasefire came into force.

Trump’s public remarks appeared to exceed the text of the US-backed truce, prompting Israeli officials to seek clarification while clashes on the ground continued. Israel was surprised by US