Key facts
- Israel conducted air strikes on Beirut's southern suburbs, killing at least two people.
- The strikes occurred despite an ongoing ceasefire and complicate potential US-Iran peace deal negotiations.
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated the strikes were intended to show defiance against Iran.
- Mediators from Pakistan and Egypt are engaged in discussions to facilitate a peace deal between the US and Iran.
- Hezbollah claimed responsibility for a rocket attack on Israeli forces in southern Lebanon in retaliation.
Israel has renewed air attacks on the southern suburbs of Beirut, Lebanon, a move that complicates efforts to finalize a peace deal between the United States and Iran aimed at halting the war on Iran. The strikes, which killed at least two people and wounded four, occurred despite an ongoing ceasefire and have been described by Israeli officials as a necessary show of strength and defiance against Iran.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz stated they carried out a "precision" strike on a Hezbollah target. This action comes amid domestic pressure on Netanyahu, particularly in an election year, to demonstrate resolve. Analysts suggest Israel aims to derail the negotiations and decouple the front with Hezbollah from any broader US-Iran agreement, a condition Iran insists upon.
US President Donald Trump has indicated that a deal to stop the war on Iran could be signed as early as Sunday, though Iran has disputed this timeline, suggesting a signing could occur in the "coming days." Mediators, including senior delegations from Pakistan and Egypt, are actively engaged in discussions to bridge the trust gap between Washington and Tehran and remove remaining obstacles to the deal.
Hezbollah has claimed responsibility for a rocket attack on Israeli forces in southern Lebanon, stating it was in response to Israeli ceasefire violations. The group's action highlights the interconnectedness of the regional fronts, which Israel seeks to separate. The Israeli strikes have also led to politicians distancing themselves from Netanyahu, portraying his approach as a strategic failure and potentially impacting upcoming elections.
Analysts note that while mediators are working diligently, Israel remains capable of disrupting the peace process. The situation underscores the deep-seated trust issues between the US and Iran, making any potential agreement fragile and susceptible to regional escalations.