The IDF put off its planned attack on Beirut, military sources said

Live Updates June 01, 2026Share to FacebookShare to XArticle printing is available to subscribers onlyPrint in a simple, ad-free formatSubscribeComments: Zen reading is available to subscribers onlyAd-free and in a comfortable reading formatSubscribeJune 01, 2026Drone hits cargo vessel in Persian Gulf following earlier 'projectile' strikeTwo ‌explosions struck a cargo vessel in the Persian Gulf ⁠about 40 nautical miles southeast of Iraq's Umm ⁠Qasr, one of which was caused by a drone attack, Iraqi officials said on Monday.Earlier, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) ‌said the vessel had been hit by an "unknown projectike" on its starboard side, causing a large explosion. A second explosion struck the same vessel and was the result of a drone attack, according to an initial assessment, the Iraqi officials told Reuters.The fire aboard the vessel was later brought ⁠under control, they added."As we were assessing the damage from the first explosion, we ‌heard a drone ⁠hovering overhead, followed by a ‌powerful blast that sparked a fire on the tanker," an Iraqi maritime patrol member told Reuters. No ⁠one has claimed responsibility for the attack and no information on the identity of the vessel was available.Ben-Gvir says Netanyahu should 'say no to our friend Trump,' order Beirut strikeFar-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu should refuse U.S. President Donald Trump's request to put off Israeli strikes in Beirut."You said that a strong prime minister tells the president of the United States 'yes' when possible, and 'no' when necessary," Ben-Gvir wrote. "Now is the time to tell our friend, President Trump, no."The national security minister added, "Now is the time to do what is required and necessary to strike Hezbollah, to untie our fighters' hands, and to restore security to the north."Bennett says Netanyahu lost control over Israel as IDF calls off Beirut strikeFormer Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said Israel lost its sovereignty after the IDF put off its planned strikes in Beirut following U.S. President Donald Trump's intervention."Jerusalem, Beit Shemesh, Lebanon, Gaza," he said, referring to Haredi protests against police arrests of draft evaders and Israeli military operations."The location is different, but the story is the same," Bennett wrote, adding that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government "has lost control over Israeli sovereignty. Chaos is in every corner."Opposition leader Yair Lapid, number two in his and Bennett's Together party, called Israel a "vassal state" after the strikes were called off.44 minutes agoIDF puts off Beirut strike, prepares air defenses for Iranian attackThe IDF put off its planned attack on Beirut, military sources said, despite Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's and Defense Minister Israel Katz's announcement earlier on Monday.The Israeli military clarified that it is maintaining readiness to attack, should an opportunity present itself. Two Israeli sources told Reuters that Israel is awaiting final approval from U.S. President Donald Trump to strike Beirut's southern suburbs, also known as the Dahiyeh.A source familiar with the details told Haaretz that Netanyahu spoke with Trump Monday evening, while the contents of the conversation remain unclear. The IDF is on high alert, preparing for Hezbollah to increase its rocket fire. The IDF is also preparing its air defense systems for a possible Iranian attack on Israel.Trump says he had 'productive' call with Netanyahu, 'very good' call with HezbollahU.S. President Donald Trump said he had "a very productive call" with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, adding that "there will be no troops going to Beirut."Trump added, "Any troops that are on their way have already been turned back." Earlier Monday, Israel was planning to carry out airstrikes in Beirut's southern suburbs, also known as the Dahiyeh."Likewise, through highly placed Representatives, I had a very good call with Hezbollah, and they agreed that all shooting will stop," he said. "That Israel will not attack them, and they will not attack Israel."2 hours agoThousands flee Beirut's Dahiyeh suburb after Israeli threat to strike the areaPeople make their way while fleeing the southern suburbs of Beirut, after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the military to attack targets in the suburbs, Lebanon, Monday. Credit: Mohamed Azakir/ReutersPeople make their way while fleeing the southern suburbs of Beirut, after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the military to attack targets in the suburbs, Lebanon, Monday. Credit: Mohamed Azakir/ReutersA family flees following an Israeli threat to strike the Dahiyeh, Beirut's southern suburbs, Lebanon, Monday. Credit: Bilal Hussein/APA family flees following an Israeli threat to strike the Dahiyeh, Beirut's southern suburbs, Lebanon, Monday. Credit: Bilal Hussein/APTraffic on a road as people make their way while fleeing the southern suburbs of Beirut, after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the military to attack targets in the suburbs, Lebanon, Monday. Credit: Mohamed Azakir/ReutersTraffic on a road as people make their way while fleeing the southern suburbs of Beirut, after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the military to attack targets in the suburbs, Lebanon, Monday. Credit: Mohamed Azakir/ReutersIn the NewsNew York's Cake King Hasn't Forgotten His Israeli RootsA Blue Wave in November Can't Mask How Ill-prepared Democrats Are for 2028National Haredi Protests Disrupt Traffic Over Draft Evader Arrest CrackdownFor the Third Time: Police Officer Petitions Ben-Gvir Over Delayed PromotionThe Empty Triumph of Israel's Latest Conquest in LebanonRemembering and rebuilding two years laterICYMIIsrael Orders Unprecedented Seizure of Religious Site From Palestinian AuthorityIsrael 2026 Election Poll Tracker: The Latest ProjectionsWho Built the Biblical-era Fortresses in the Deserts of Israel and Jordan?UN Report Accuses Israeli Forces of Rape, Sexual Abuse of Palestinian DetaineesNot Lapid or Bennett: Could This Former IDF Chief Be Israel's Next Leader?Pentagon Leaks Signal U.S. Effort to Blame Israel for Risks of Renewed Iran War