Key facts
- At least 18 people were killed and 33 injured in southern Lebanon due to Israeli air strikes.
- The Israeli military stated that four of its soldiers were killed by Hezbollah.
- The strikes occurred after a US-Iran deal aimed at ending regional conflict was announced.
- US-Iran talks in Switzerland were postponed.
- Hezbollah claimed to have destroyed three tanks and targeted Israeli troops.
At least 18 people were killed and 33 injured in southern Lebanon following a series of Israeli air strikes overnight, the country's health ministry announced. The Israeli military stated that four of its soldiers were killed by Hezbollah. These events occurred after the US and Iran signed a deal aimed at ending regional conflict, including a cessation of hostilities in Lebanon. Despite the agreement, both Israel and Hezbollah have continued to exchange strikes, casting doubt on the truce's future. Lebanon's state news agency described the bombardment as one of the most intense of the war. Hezbollah claimed to have destroyed three tanks and targeted Israeli troops. The conflict has resulted in at least 3,783 deaths and 11,699 wounded in Lebanon since it began. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces domestic pressure to continue military operations, potentially clashing with US President Donald Trump's criticism of Israel's actions. Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir stated that "all of Lebanon must burn" in response to the soldiers' deaths. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot urged Israel to respect the deal and called for US pressure on the Israeli government. The US-Iran agreement also addresses Iran's nuclear program and sanctions relief, with a 60-day deadline for a final settlement. A new round of direct talks was delayed after US Vice-President JD Vance cancelled his trip to Switzerland, having previously criticized members of Netanyahu's cabinet for their stance on the deal.