Israeli strikes in Lebanon kill 18, four Israeli soldiers die
Lebanon says Israeli strikes kill 18 as Israel says four soldiers killed by Hezbollah
At least 18 people were killed in southern Lebanon following overnight Israeli airstrikes, according to Lebanon's health ministry. The Israeli Defense Forces said it struck 80 targets linked to Hezbollah and killed "dozens" of the Iran-backed group's members. Four Israeli soldiers were also killed in the fighting.
The escalation comes one day after the U.S. and Iran announced a deal aimed at ending regional conflict, including a permanent ceasefire in Lebanon. Despite the agreement, both Israel and Hezbollah have continued military operations, casting doubt on the truce's viability.
The U.S.-Iran deal calls for an end to hostilities across all fronts and respect for Lebanon's sovereignty. Israel, however, has stated it will not withdraw from Lebanon and views its conflict with Hezbollah as separate from broader Iran negotiations.