Israel has damaged cultural heritage sites in southern Lebanon

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has damaged or destroyed revered cultural heritage sites in southern Lebanon. Lebanese Culture Minister Ghassan Salame told Reuters on June 28.

According to the minister, the authorities have not yet been able to draw up a complete picture of the damage, as Israeli troops still occupy an area about 10 km deep into Lebanon. It includes the medieval Beaufort Castle, as well as several historical villages.

According to the agency, some ancient cities, including Tyre and Nabatia, were also subjected to massive airstrikes. The bombing also hit the city of Tebnin, which "raised concerns about damage to its Crusader fortress," Salame added.

The Israeli military said that when striking, they take into account information about the existence of "sensitive objects."

Special degree: Israel is not interested in a long-term truce with Lebanon

How consultations in Washington affect the negotiations between Iran and the United States

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on June 26 that the IDF would remain in a "security zone" in southern Lebanon until Hezbollah was disarmed. He described the negotiations between Israel and Lebanon that took place in the United States as an important achievement for the country.

The Iranian state television and radio company IRIB reported on June 25 that the commander of the Quds Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of Iran, Ismail Kaani, called on Israel to withdraw troops from Lebanon, threatening the Israeli army with defeat.

On June 17, the United States and Iran signed a memorandum on the cessation of hostilities. The document assumes that the parties will agree on the end of the war within 60 days. However, on June 20, Iran again announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz due to Israel's operation in Lebanon. Because of this, US President Donald Trump threatened to destroy the Islamic Republic.