David Montgomery shares emotional goodbye to Lions after Texans trade

TheDetroit Lionshave handedDavid Montgomerya one-way ticket out of the Motor City.

It came a week ahead of the unofficial start of free agency, when theLions agreed to trade the running back to the Houston Texans on March 2. The move ends a three-year run in Detroit, where Montgomery starred alongsideJahmyr Gibbsas part of arguably the league's best backfield duo – officially known as "Sonic and Knuckles."

Hours after the news broke, Montgomery bid farewell to the Lions in anemotional tribute posted to his Instagram:

"It's hard to find the right words for a goodbye like this," Montgomery wrote. "Detroit has never just been a location to me – it's been a community. And you all have been more than supporters or a team. You've been steady hands, loud cheers, honest feedback, and quiet strength when I needed it most.

"You believed in me when things were uncertain. You stood beside me through challenges. You showed up – consistently, fiercely, unapologetically. There is something special about the people here. The resilience. The loyalty. The way you don't just support someone – you ride with them. I have felt that from each of you, and I will never take that lightly.

"This isn't goodbye because something ended. It's goodbye because something grew. And growth sometimes calls us forward. Please know this: Everything I do next carries a piece of Detroit with it. The work ethic. The edge. The heart. Thank you for trusting me. Thank you for pushing me. Thank you for walking this chapter with me.

"I'm beyond grateful – and I'll always be proud to say I was shaped by this city and by you."

Gibbs also shared a post on social media, posting a photo of Sonic and Knuckles walking away from one another, crying. He captioned it with a broken-heart emoji.

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2. New York Jets – OLB/DE David Bailey, Texas Tech

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 3. Arizona Cardinals – OLB/DE Arvell Reese, Ohio State

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 4. Tennessee Titans – RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 5. New York Giants – LB Sonny Styles, Ohio State

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 6. Cleveland Browns – OL Francis Mauigoa, Miami (Fla.)

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 7. Washington Commanders – S Caleb Downs, Ohio State

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 8. New Orleans Saints – WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 9. Kansas City Chiefs – OT Spencer Fano, Utah

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 10. Cincinnati Bengals – DE Rueben Bain Jr., Miami (Fla.)

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 11. Miami Dolphins – CB Mansoor Delane, LSU

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 12. Dallas Cowboys – CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 13. Los Angeles Rams (from Atlanta Falcons) – WR Denzel Boston, Washington

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 14. Baltimore Ravens – DL Caleb Banks, Florida

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 16. New York Jets (from Indianapolis Colts) – WR Makai Lemon, USC

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 17. Detroit Lions – OT Monroe Freeling, Georgia

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 18. Minnesota Vikings – S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Toledo

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 19. Carolina Panthers – DT Peter Woods, Clemson

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 20. Dallas Cowboys (from Green Bay Packers) – OLB/DE T.J. Parker, Clemson

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 21. Pittsburgh Steelers – WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 22. Los Angeles Chargers – G Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 23. Philadelphia Eagles – DE/OLB Akheem Mesidor, Miami (Fla.)

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 24. Cleveland Browns (from Jacksonville Jaguars) – WR Omar Cooper Jr., Indiana

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 30. Denver Broncos – WR KC Concepcion, Texas A&M

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 31. New England Patriots – DE Keldric Faulk, Auburn

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" />

NFL mock draft: First-round projection following the scouting combine

Montgomery's workload took a major hit in 2025 as the running back posted a career-low 158 carries, sparking trade rumors ahead of the offseason.

General manager Brad Holmes told reporters at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine that Montgomery's future with the Lions was "fluid."

"We'd love to have him. Kind of want to put last year in the rearview and just move forward," Holmes said at a Feb. 24 media availability. "But obviously, a player has to want to be at a certain place as well. So those conversations are still fluid and we'll just kind of see how it goes."

On March 1,Montgomery addressed the rumors on social media after ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reportedthe running back wanted out of Detroit. He dismissed them, but didn't elaborate. He previously mentioned his desire to stick around with the Lions.

Ahead of Super Bowl 60, Montgomery told USA TODAY Sports that he hoped to return to Detroit in 2026.

"I sure hope so," Montgomery said, when asked if he was confident about a return to the Lions. "I love the Lions, I love the team, I love the city of Detroit. I would love to be there, but it's in the air so I'm just ready and waiting for the ride."

Now that ride has taken him to Houston, where he figures to sit atop theTexans' running back depth chart heading into the 2026 season.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:David Montgomery shares goodbye post to Lions after trade to Texans

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March 03, 2026

David Montgomery shares emotional goodbye to Lions after Texans trade

TheDetroit Lionshave handedDavid Montgomerya one-way ticket out of the Motor City. It came a week ahead of the...

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Warriors center Porzingis misses 5th straight game with illness coach Steve Kerr calls "mysterious"

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Golden State center Kristaps Porzingis is still dealing with a medical issue that has sidelined him for a week and a half.

Celtics Warriors Basketball

"It's a little mysterious," Warriors coach Steve Kerr said before his team hosted the Los Angeles Clipper on Monday night. "We're obviously working with him and hoping that he can get some clarity and he can kind of break through and get to a point to where he's consistently healthy. But that's something that the medical staff is working hard on with him."

Porzingis had returned to practice Friday and was listed as questionable for Saturday's home loss to the Lakers, then missed his fifth straight game Monday with an illness. It's unclear if he will travel for the team's upcoming three-game road trip.

Kerr said he spoke with Porzingis earlier Monday.

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"We had a good chat. He's doing fine," Kerr said. "He's obviously wanting to be back and wanting answers and we'll keep supporting him."

The 7-foot-2 big man from Latvia made his Warriors debut Feb. 19 against his former Boston Celtics team after being acquired in a trade from Atlanta, but hasn't played since. He has appeared in just 18 games overall this season, averaging 16.8 points, 4.9 rebounds and 2.6 assists.

AP NBA:https://apnews.com/NBA

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March 03, 2026

Warriors center Porzingis misses 5th straight game with illness coach Steve Kerr calls "mysterious"

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Golden State center Kristaps Porzingis is still dealing with a medical issue that has sidelined him ...

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NFL trade predictions: Fits for Maxx Crosby, A.J. Brown, Trent McDuffie

NFL free agency is almost upon us. The first major movement of the new league year comes months ahead of the start of offseason training regiments.

This part of the calendar could pay off in a big way. Last year,Seattle signed Sam Darnoldand he powered them to a Super Bowl title over theNew England Patriots. The teamSeattleplayed in the NFC championship game - theLos Angeles Rams- made a splash in free agency as well bysigning wide receiver Davante Adams.

This year's free agent class has good players at other positions. Pro Bowl players at center (Tyler Linderbaum), linebacker (Devin Lloyd) and edge rusher (Trey Hendrickson) lead the way. There are also many options at running back and wide receiver for teams to choose from.

But this won't necessarily be the only way a player changes teams in this portion of the offseason. Trades could play a huge role in changing the league landscape.

Players on the move:When does NFL free agency start in 2026 and what to watch

Money to spend:How much salary cap space does each NFL team have in 2026?

TheChicago Bearssurged to a division title in 2025 behind an improved offensive line. Chicagosigned center Drew Dalmanin free agency but also used trades to acquire starters on either side of him inJoe ThuneyandJonah Jackson.Dallas acquired George Pickens from the Pittsburgh Steelers via tradeand he became a second-team All-Pro.

Player movement doesn't need to be limited to the open market. Here are four trades involving veteran players that could be made around the start of free agency:

NFL free agency 2026:LB tops Tyler Dragon's top 32 free agents

CBTrent McDuffieto theLos Angeles Rams

McDuffie is about to enter the final year of his rookie contract. His cap number jumps from $4.46 million to $13.63 million, per OverTheCap figures, which is no small deal for the Chiefs who are looking to add to the roster and had to release starting tackle Jawaan Taylor to get under the 2026 salary cap.

McDuffie is a year away from free agency. Chiefs outside cornerback Jaylen Watson is heading to free agency this season. This feels like a Kansas City roster in transition with key free agents at all levels on the defense and multiple spots on offense. The biggest piece on the defense, defensive lineman Chris Jones, is another year older.

Kansas City can rely on developing secondary talent. Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo and Co. have a track record of turning Day 3 or undrafted players into viable starters or even Pro Bowlers (e.g. Watson and Charvarius Ward). Spending big money at the cornerback position may not be the best use of their resources knowing this.

That makes offloading McDuffie a year before he hits free agency more lucrative. Los Angeles' needs at cornerback were exposed at times in the playoffs and they have an extra first-round pick this year. If they don't want to use that to find Matthew Stafford's successor or another piece to develop, they could maximize Stafford's post-MVP year with a splash trade. Los Angeles is running out of time before their young defense gets expensive. They've found and developed talent on the defensive line and this could balance that out ahead of key contract decisions.

EdgeMaxx Crosbyto theSan Francisco 49ers

Las Vegas is starting over in 2026 with a new head coach (Klint Kubiak) and starting quarterback (presumably Fernando Mendoza). This isn't exactly a team for a veteran defensive lineman looking for his best success after years of individual accolades and recognition.

San Francisco's reaching the twilight years of many of their stars. It's unlikely Christian McCaffrey, George Kittle, Trent Williams and Fred Warner can keep up All-Pro level production for much longer. Plus, an ironman who rarely misses games would be a welcome sight for a 49ers team that constantly navigates injuries.

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San Francisco would likely have to send at least a first-round pick to the Raiders for Crosby depending on how much salary they take on. The 49ers have a decent amount of cap space and can create more by restructuring deals with Nick Bosa and Brock Purdy. It'd certainly paper over some concerns about the interior defensive line with Bosa and Crosby on the edges.

For Las Vegas, it'd help turn the page to a new era of Raiders football. Crosby doesn't quite match up with their current timeline as the team is likely at least two years away from properly contending. Another asset in the form of a first-round pick could lay the groundwork for a more complete turnaround.

2. New York Jets – OLB/DE David Bailey, Texas Tech

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 3. Arizona Cardinals – OLB/DE Arvell Reese, Ohio State

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 4. Tennessee Titans – RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 5. New York Giants – LB Sonny Styles, Ohio State

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 6. Cleveland Browns – OL Francis Mauigoa, Miami (Fla.)

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 7. Washington Commanders – S Caleb Downs, Ohio State

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 8. New Orleans Saints – WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 9. Kansas City Chiefs – OT Spencer Fano, Utah

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 10. Cincinnati Bengals – DE Rueben Bain Jr., Miami (Fla.)

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 11. Miami Dolphins – CB Mansoor Delane, LSU

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 12. Dallas Cowboys – CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 13. Los Angeles Rams (from Atlanta Falcons) – WR Denzel Boston, Washington

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 14. Baltimore Ravens – DL Caleb Banks, Florida

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 16. New York Jets (from Indianapolis Colts) – WR Makai Lemon, USC

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 17. Detroit Lions – OT Monroe Freeling, Georgia

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 18. Minnesota Vikings – S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Toledo

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 19. Carolina Panthers – DT Peter Woods, Clemson

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 20. Dallas Cowboys (from Green Bay Packers) – OLB/DE T.J. Parker, Clemson

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 21. Pittsburgh Steelers – WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 22. Los Angeles Chargers – G Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 23. Philadelphia Eagles – DE/OLB Akheem Mesidor, Miami (Fla.)

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 24. Cleveland Browns (from Jacksonville Jaguars) – WR Omar Cooper Jr., Indiana

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 30. Denver Broncos – WR KC Concepcion, Texas A&M

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 31. New England Patriots – DE Keldric Faulk, Auburn

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" />

NFL mock draft: First-round projection following the scouting combine

WRMichael Pittman Jr.to thePittsburgh Steelers

Alec Pierce enjoyed a breakout year for theIndianapolis Coltsin 2025 and is hitting free agency this offseason. Dallas put the franchise tag on Pickens which makes Pierce arguably the top option on the free agent market this year – if he gets there.

Looking at the 2026 NFL Draft, there are many big-bodied outside receivers in the mold of Pittman who the Colts could target as a successor and instead use the money they'd save to retain Pierce. Pittman's on the final year of a three-year extension he signed in 2024 and will count $29 million against the cap in 2026. Indianapolis would save $24 million by trading him before June 1 which would free up space to sign Pierce as well as quarterback Daniel Jones.

For Pittsburgh, the offense could use more weapons on the outside beyond D.K. Metcalf. He's a vertical threat thanks to his speed and Pittman would bring another physical skillset to the offense. The Steelers have a dozen picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, including a projected five combined selections in Round 3 and Round 4. If they're willing to take on most of his salary, Indianapolis could get one of those selections back in a deal that may be worthwhile for both teams.

WRA.J. Brownto theBuffalo Bills

Neither Eagles coach Nick Sirianni nor general manager Howie Roseman completely shut the door on potentially moving on from Brownwhen asked about a potential tradeduring the NFL scouting combine.

"Will A.J. be here next season?" Sirianni said. "I think we're still in a spot, like, I can't guarantee how anything is going to play out into next season. I'm thinking I'm going to be the coach next season but you can't guarantee anything past tomorrow."

If the team is open to a deal, Buffalo may be the team who comes calling.

The Bills have struggled to find consistent high-level production from the wide receiver position since Stefon Diggs' peak in 2021 and 2022. With New England now viewed as contenders following a breakout run to the Super Bowl, Buffalo can't cruise to an AFC East title and wait to make noise in the playoffs.

Brown is entering his age-29 season and holds a $23.39 million cap hit in 2026. The Bills would have to move money around to make this work but it could be worth it to make a statement in Year 1 of the Joe Brady tenure. Buffalo has just seven picks in the 2026 NFL Draft so it may have to be a package of multiple picks to make it work, especially if they cannot take on all of Browns' owed money for 2026. It would take some work but could in the end be very worth it for both parties.

DTJordan Davisto theJacksonville Jaguars

If Brown stays put, the Eagles could make a different move. Like Pittman and McDuffie, Davis is one year away from free agency and thePhiladelphia Eaglesalways seem to plan ahead. They drafted and developed Moro Ojomo in the likely (and ultimately true) event of Milton Williams signing elsewhere in free agency last season. They may execute a similar playbook this offseason.

Davis is in the final year of his rookie contract and counts for $12.93 million against the cap in 2026. Philadelphia may judge the current state of the roster and prioritize retaining trade deadline acquisition Jaelan Phillips, who could cost upwards of $18 million per year on his next deal.

Jacksonville doesn't have a first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft but does have 10 total selections over seven rounds. After making a run to the playoffs in 2025, Jacksonville has some work to do to maintain that postseason presence in 2026. Improving the interior defensive line between Joshua Hines-Allen and Travon Walker should be one of the priorities.

They could flip one of their projected Day 2 or Day 3 picks to the Eagles in return for Davis. The Jaguars would need to shift money around to make it work but could move money around on current deals for Hines-Allen, Patrick Mekari and Walker Little to create some space for this move.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:NFL trade predictions: A.J. Brown, Trent McDuffie find perfect fits

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March 03, 2026

NFL trade predictions: Fits for Maxx Crosby, A.J. Brown, Trent McDuffie

NFL free agency is almost upon us. The first major movement of the new league year comes months ahead of the start of off...

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Israel sends troops into southern Lebanon as Hezbollah says it is ready for open war

BEIRUT (AP) — Israel sent additional troops into southern Lebanon Tuesday and ordered residents of more than 80 villages to evacuate as the Iran-backed Hezbollah militant group said it is ready for an open war, escalating the already volatile situation in the region.

APTOPIX Lebanon Israel Iran

The latest exchanges started after Hezbollah fired rockets and drones early Monday toward northern Israel. Israel retaliated with awave of airstrikesthat killed 52 people in Lebanon, including a Palestinian militant and a Hezbollah intelligence official in Beirut's southern suburbs. More than 150 people were wounded and tens of thousands displaced.

Hezbollah said Tuesday morning it fired two salvos of rockets toward northern Israel while Israeli airstrikes overnight damaged a building housing Hezbollah's TV and radio stations. Beirut's southern suburbs were subjected to a series of strikes in the early afternoon Tuesday that came without warning, and the Israeli military later said it targeted Hezbollah officials.

The Israeli military's Arabic spokesman, Avichay Adraee, issued a warning for residents of more than 80 villages and towns asking them to leave, adding that people should not return to these areas until further notice.

A senior Hezbollah official said that after more than a year of abiding by a ceasefire as Israel's strikes continued on Lebanon, the group's patience has ended, leaving it with no option "but to return to resistance" and fight an open war with Israel.

"The Zionist enemy wanted an open war, which it has not stopped since the ceasefire agreement," Mohamoud Komati said "So let it be an open war."

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun told the ambassadors of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the U.S., France and Egypt Tuesday that Hezbollah has been firing rockets from areas north of the Litani river. The Lebanese government says it has disarmed Hezbollah south of the river, along the border with Israel, and Lebanese troops are in full control of the area between the river and the border.

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Shortly before Aoun spoke, the Israeli military said it has sent additional troops into southern Lebanon and took new positions on several strategic points close to the border, while Lebanon's state-run National News Agency said the Lebanese army was evacuating some of its positions along the border.

Adraee, the spokesman, posted on X that the troops' move inside Lebanon is part of efforts to bolster the forward defense system and create an addition layer of security.

A Lebanese military official confirmed to The Associated Press that Israeli troops moved into several areas in Lebanon, adding that the Lebanese army is "repositioning" in the area.

The U.N. peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon, known as UNIFIL, said its peacekeepers observed Israeli forces crossing into Lebanon in several areas Tuesday morning "before returning south of the Blue Line," referring to the border between the two countries.

Israel launched aground invasion of Lebanonin October 2024 during its last war with Hezbollah. It withdrew from most of southern Lebanon after a U.S.-brokered ceasefire halted the fighting in November 2024 but has continued to occupy five points on the Lebanese side of the border since then.

After the ceasefire, Israel continued to carry out near-daily strikes, primarily in southern Lebanon, saying that Hezbollah has been trying to rebuild its forces in the area.

Hezbollah launched rockets into Israel a day after the militant Palestinian group Hamas attacked southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, triggering the war in Gaza. After months of low-level fighting, the conflict escalated into a full-scale war in September 2024 before a U.S. brokered ceasefire nominally halted the fighting two months later.

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March 03, 2026

Israel sends troops into southern Lebanon as Hezbollah says it is ready for open war

BEIRUT (AP) — Israel sent additional troops into southern Lebanon Tuesday and ordered residents of more than 80 villages ...

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