Israeli and Lebanese military officials are scheduled to meet for security talks at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., on Friday, as cross-border violence intensifies following hundreds of Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon this week.

Israeli government spokesman David Mencer said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered the military to "deepen our operation in Lebanon" while continuing negotiations aimed at disarming Hezbollah and securing a peace agreement. Netanyahu vowed earlier to "crush" the Iran-backed militant group.

Hezbollah condemned the talks, accusing Lebanon's leadership of negotiating "at the cost of their own people's blood." The group said Beirut lacks leverage to force an Israeli withdrawal or end the war.

US Vice President JD Vance said on Thursday that the United States and Iran have made good progress toward a ceasefire extension deal, but President Donald Trump is not yet ready to approve it. Vance cited sticking points over Iran's enriched uranium stockpile and further enrichment.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz vowed that the "voluntary migration" of Palestinians out of the Gaza Strip "will be implemented." Human rights organizations have warned that such a move could amount to ethnic cleansing.

Prime Minister Netanyahu said Israel now controls 60% of the Gaza Strip and aims to increase that to 70% to pressure Hamas. The Israeli military has struck more than 135 Hezbollah targets in Lebanon, according to the military.

Source: www.dw.com