Protests outside US embassy in Tel Aviv over arms sales

Demonstrators protested outside the US embassy in Tel Aviv, calling for the United States to block arms sales to Israel.

Protesters blocked the road and held signs reading "Arms Embargo Now" and "Stop the Genocide in Gaza." Others stood nearby holding a Trump banner reading "Make America Great Again".

The US Senate is due to vote on legislation that would block arms sales to Israel, backed by lawmakers who say Israel is obstructing aid shipments desperately needed by Palestinian civilians in Gaza.

The "resolutions of disapproval" were filed by Senator Bernie Sanders, an independent who caucuses with Democrats.

In the meanwhile Blasts rocked Lebanon’s Khiam, sending plumes of smoke into the air in the southern village amid ongoing hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah.

Explosions could be seen and the sound from the blasts heard from the nearby village of Marjayoun as smoke rose over buildings.

Israel's campaign has killed 3,544 people in Lebanon since hostilities began, Lebanese authorities say. The figures do not distinguish between combatants and civilians.

Hezbollah strikes have killed 43 civilians in northern Israel and the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, while 73 soldiers have been killed in strikes in northern Israel and the Golan Heights and in combat in southern Lebanon, according to Israeli figures.

Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem said in a speech released that his group had reviewed and given feedback on a US-drafted ceasefire proposal to end fighting with Israel, and that a halt to hostilities was now in Israel's hands.

"Do we expect these negotiations to lead to a ceasefire and a cessation of aggression quickly? No one can guarantee, because the issue is linked to the Israeli response and the seriousness that Netanyahu has," said Qassem.

Qassem added that the group was allowing ceasefire talks to continue and watching if they produced results. 

UN Security Council resolution 1701 requires the Lebanese state to have a monopoly on arms in the area between the border and the Litani River.