Key facts
- Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon killed at least seven people, including two children, on Saturday.
- The persistent fighting threatens an interim agreement between the U.S. and Iran.
- Hezbollah fired over 50 projectiles at Israeli forces, leading to Israeli strikes on militant targets.
- Mediators are attempting to halt the conflict after significant casualties on both sides.
- U.S.-Iran talks in Switzerland have been delayed due to the ongoing hostilities.
Fighting between Israel and Hezbollah intensified on Saturday, with Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon killing at least seven people, including two children, hours after reports of a ceasefire agreement emerged. The persistent hostilities threaten an interim agreement between the United States and Iran aimed at de-escalating the Middle East war and resuming nuclear talks.
Lebanon’s National News Agency reported that strikes hit the town of Nabatiyeh and nearby villages, with at least seven people remaining trapped under rubble. Mediators are scrambling to halt the fighting, which followed a heavy exchange on Friday that killed at least 47 people in Lebanon and four Israeli soldiers. An Israeli military official stated that Hezbollah fired over 50 projectiles at Israeli forces overnight, prompting retaliatory strikes.
On Friday, Israeli ambassador to Washington Yechiel Leiter reiterated Israel's commitment to an immediate ceasefire if Hezbollah honored the agreement and ceased hostilities. A Hezbollah official, speaking anonymously, confirmed that efforts were underway by Qatar, the U.S., and Iran to broker a ceasefire but did not confirm a deal had been reached.
The conflict jeopardizes a U.S.-Iran interim agreement that has already reopened the Strait of Hormuz and includes provisions for relaunching talks on Iran’s nuclear program. Neither Israel nor Hezbollah are signatories to this deal, which calls for a halt to military operations in Lebanon and respect for its sovereignty. U.S.-Iran talks in Switzerland, initially planned for Friday, have been delayed with no new date announced.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to maintain Israeli forces in southern Lebanon until threats are eliminated, while Hezbollah insists on a halt to attacks only if Israel commits to withdrawing from Lebanon. Iranian officials and U.S. Vice President JD Vance postponed travel to Switzerland, with Iran stating that the fighting in Lebanon must cease before talks can proceed. Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman indicated that consultations through mediators were ongoing regarding the next phase of negotiations for a final U.S.-Iran agreement.