IDF Strikes 40 Hezbollah Targets in Southern Lebanon Amid Ongoing Ceasefire Violations

The Israel Defense Forces struck at least 40 alleged Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon in the 24 hours prior to its statement on Wednesday, even as fighting continued despite a ceasefire agreed between Israeli and Lebanese leaders in April 2026.

IDF spokesperson Avichay Adraee issued new evacuation orders for six villages in southern Lebanon on Wednesday morning. An explosion occurred in the area of al-Housh following Israeli bombardment as seen from Tyre in southern Lebanon on May 12, 2026.

Hezbollah continued to target Israeli forces operating in southern Lebanon on Tuesday and Wednesday. The IDF said Hezbollah launched several rockets toward Israeli positions in southern Lebanon on Wednesday morning. @ABC reported that the exchanges persist more than a month after the ceasefire took hold.

The truce had halted Israeli attacks on the Lebanese capital before Israel said it targeted a Hezbollah commander there on an earlier occasion. In Tehran, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met with Norwegian Deputy Foreign Minister Andreas Kravik. Abbas Araghchi claimed on Tuesday that America's lack of goodwill and dishonesty is to blame for the failure of peace talks to date.

U.S. negotiating team had demonstrated an overbearing approach, threatening and provocative rhetoric in peace talks. U.S. of repeated violations of the ceasefire with the continued blockade of Iranian seaports.

Iran is consulting on new regulations related to the Strait of Hormuz in accordance with international law, Abbas Araghchi added. -Iran talks in Pakistan in April 2026 failed to reach a peace deal after President Donald Trump announced major combat operations against Iran on Feb. 28 2026.

President Donald Trump gave conflicting answers on Tuesday when asked if Beijing should intervene to help end the war with Iran. "I don't think we need any help with Iran," he said at first. Minutes later, when asked if Chinese President Xi Jinping was the person who could revive the ceasefire, President Donald Trump said he would like whatever help Xi can offer.

U.S. has it under control. "They're defeated militarily, and they'll either do the right thing or we'll finish the job," President Donald Trump said.

U.S. Has it under control. 5% after the war ends and predicted there would be a gusher of oil like you've never had before. "As soon as this war is over, which will not be long, you're going to see oil prices drop, and you're going to see a stock market, which is already at the highest point in history, go through the roof," President Donald Trump said.

The Iran war is estimated to have cost $29 billion as of Tuesday. Acting Pentagon comptroller Jules W. Hurst III told lawmakers on Tuesday morning during a House Appropriations hearing that the Iran war cost $29 billion.

Two weeks before May 12 2026, Jules W. The updated $29 billion Iran war cost figure includes replacement of equipment costs and general operational costs to keep people in theater.

Rep. Pete Aguilar asked Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth when Congress would get a more detailed accounting for war costs.

U.S. Blockade until negotiations are concluded one way or the other.