Intensified clashes in southern Lebanon have claimed at least 18 lives after a wave of Israeli aerial bombardments struck several locations overnight, according to Lebanese health authorities.
Israel also reported the deaths of four soldiers during combat operations near the border.
The Israeli military announced that its forces targeted around 80 sites allegedly connected to Hezbollah, stating that numerous fighters from the group were killed during the attacks.
The escalation occurred only one day after Washington and Tehran finalized an agreement intended to ease tensions across the Middle East, including provisions aimed at ending violence in Lebanon permanently.
Despite the accord, exchanges of fire between Israeli forces and Hezbollah have continued, casting doubt on the durability of efforts to restore calm throughout the region.
The agreement between the United States and Iran emphasizes the cessation of military activity on multiple fronts while affirming Lebanon’s independence and territorial rights.
Israeli officials, however, maintain that operations against Hezbollah remain separate from broader regional arrangements and have reiterated that troops will stay in areas currently under Israeli control inside Lebanese territory.
Lebanon’s official news agency described Thursday’s bombardment of the Nabatieh region as among the fiercest since the conflict intensified.
Authorities reported 18 fatalities, dozens of injuries, and widespread damage to residential and commercial structures.
Hezbollah claimed responsibility for an ambush against Israeli troops, saying guided missiles destroyed three armored vehicles while rockets and artillery shells struck military positions.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu paid tribute to the four fallen soldiers and pledged a forceful response against Hezbollah.
In a statement published Friday, Netanyahu declared that attacks on Israeli personnel and communities would not go unanswered, warning that the armed movement would face severe consequences.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned the latest military actions, describing them as a dangerous escalation that threatens stability.
He nevertheless expressed hope that diplomatic efforts could still produce a broad ceasefire in the near future.
Lebanon became directly involved in the wider regional confrontation after Hezbollah launched cross-border attacks following a strike that killed Iran’s supreme leader.
Israel responded with extensive military operations across Lebanon and established control over parts of the country’s southern border region.
Since the outbreak of the latest hostilities, Lebanese health officials say more than 3,900 people have lost their lives and nearly 11,700 others have suffered injuries. Women and children account for many of the casualties.
The conflict has also displaced roughly one million residents, while numerous villages and towns in southern Lebanon have been left devastated.
Hezbollah insists it will continue military operations until Israeli forces end their presence inside Lebanese territory.
At the same time, Netanyahu faces growing pressure from political allies who favor maintaining military action against the group.
The position risks deepening disagreements with US President Donald Trump, who has recently voiced concerns about Israel’s approach in Lebanon.
Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir adopted a particularly hard-line stance after the deaths of the soldiers, calling for a far more aggressive response.
Meanwhile, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot urged Israel to honor the terms of the newly signed agreement and called on Washington to encourage restraint.
The US-Iran accord also addresses Tehran’s nuclear activities, outlines sanctions relief measures, and commits both governments to pursuing a comprehensive settlement within 60 days, with the possibility of extending negotiations if both sides agree.
Diplomatic momentum slowed on Friday when a planned round of direct discussions was postponed after US Vice-President JD Vance cancelled a scheduled visit to Switzerland.
Vance has previously criticized members of Israel’s governing coalition who oppose the agreement, arguing that some officials underestimate the strategic realities facing the country.
During recent remarks, he questioned the effectiveness of relying solely on military force to resolve long-term security challenges and singled out ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich among the deal’s most vocal opponents.
Although Netanyahu emphasized the importance of maintaining strong ties with Washington, reports suggest relations between the Israeli leader and President Donald Trump have experienced increasing strain in recent months.
American officials have repeatedly stated that while Lebanon falls under the broader ceasefire framework, the withdrawal of Israeli troops was never included as a requirement.
Washington has also maintained that Israel retains the right to defend itself against security threats.
By: Magdalene Agyeiwaa Sarpong