Hours After US-Iran Deal, Deadly Israel-Hezbollah Clashes Leave 22 Dead

At least 18 people were killed and dozens injured in southern Lebanon following a series of Israeli air strikes overnight, according to Lebanese health authorities, while Israel said four of its soldiers were killed in separate attacks by Hezbollah fighters.

The escalation comes barely a day after the United States and Iran signed an agreement aimed at ending hostilities across the Middle East, including a permanent cessation of fighting in Lebanon.

The Israeli military said it targeted Hezbollah militants and infrastructure in southern Lebanon, while Hezbollah claimed responsibility for attacks that killed four Israeli soldiers.

Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency described the bombardment across the Nabatieh district as among the heaviest seen in recent months. The country’s Health Ministry said at least 18 people were killed and 33 others wounded, with several buildings damaged during the strikes.

Hezbollah later announced that its fighters ambushed an Israeli military unit in southern Lebanon, destroying three tanks with guided missiles and targeting troops with rockets and artillery fire.

The latest exchange underscores the fragile nature of regional diplomacy despite the US-Iran agreement announced earlier this week.

Under the deal, Washington and Tehran committed to pursuing a broader settlement aimed at ending regional hostilities, reopening key trade routes and advancing negotiations over Iran’s nuclear programme.

However, Israel has repeatedly maintained that its military campaign against Hezbollah is separate from the conflict involving Iran and that it reserves the right to continue operations against the Lebanese group.

Lebanon became increasingly entangled in the broader regional conflict after Hezbollah launched attacks on Israel in response to developments involving Iran. Israel subsequently expanded military operations in Lebanon, including air strikes and ground incursions aimed at weakening Hezbollah’s capabilities near its northern border.

According to Lebanon’s Health Ministry, at least 3,783 people have been killed and 11,699 injured since the latest phase of the conflict began.

The renewed violence is also creating tensions between Israel and some of its international partners.

Israel’s National Security Minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, responded to the deaths of the four soldiers by calling for a tougher military response.

“With all due respect to the Americans, Israel must make it clear to the entire world that the blood of our sons and the security of our citizens are not up for bargaining,” Ben-Gvir said.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot urged Israel to respect the broader diplomatic framework established by the US-Iran agreement and called on Washington to use its influence to reduce hostilities.

The situation remains fluid, with diplomats warning that continued fighting between Israel and Hezbollah could undermine efforts to stabilize the wider region.