Israel launched deadly air strikes and shelling across southern and eastern Lebanon, killing at least 18 people and wounding over 33. The Israeli military reported four soldiers killed in the attacks, marking a significant escalation.
The intensified cross-border hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah risk further destabilizing the region and could impact ongoing diplomatic efforts to de-escalate wider Middle East tensions.
Israel launched intense air strikes and shelling across southern and eastern Lebanon on Friday, killing at least 18 people and wounding over 33, according to Lebanon's health ministry. The Israeli military stated the overnight attacks targeted Hezbollah operatives and infrastructure in several areas, in response to what it described as repeated violations of the ceasefire by the Iran-backed group. Residents and Lebanese media reported that airstrikes and shelling hit several towns in the Nabatieh district and eastern Lebanon, with the bombardment described as among the heaviest in recent weeks. The escalation follows Israel publishing a map indicating an expanded military control zone in southern Lebanon. The Israeli military said four soldiers were killed in one of the deadliest single incidents since the latest escalation began. A senior Israeli official indicated that negotiations were underway with the U.S. administration regarding the deployment of troops up to 10 km inside southern Lebanon as Israel pursues Hezbollah. Israel has resisted calls to withdraw its forces, while Hezbollah has continued attacks on Israeli positions, including with explosive drones. The conflict's escalation also comes amid new details emerging on US-Iran talks and criticism of Israeli actions by French and US officials.