NEW DELHI: At least 18 people were killed and several others injured in Israeli airstrikes across southern Lebanon overnight, as fighting between Israel and Hezbollah intensified despite provisions in the recently signed Iran-US agreement calling for a cessation of hostilities between Israel and Lebanon.The strikes came as planned technical talks between the United States and Iran in Switzerland aimed at implementing the Iran-US agreement were postponed, raising fresh questions about the future of the broader regional peace process.According to Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency, at least 18 people were killed in Israeli attacks in southern Lebanon. The Israeli military also confirmed that four of its soldiers were killed during intense fighting in southern Lebanon.Meanwhile, Israeli national security minister, Ben-Gvir said: “All of Lebanon must burn!… For every tear of an Israeli mother, a thousand Lebanese mothers must weep. 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 forfeit. All of Lebanon must burn. Our supreme duty is to protect the citizens of Israel and the soldiers of the IDF, and this commitment takes precedence over every other consideration.” He says that the way to win in the Middle East is to drop the restraint and “go berserk.”
Israel says strikes targeted Hezbollah infrastructure
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it carried out multiple attacks across southern and eastern Lebanon overnight, describing the operation as a response to Hezbollah activities and alleged ceasefire violations.In a statement, the Israeli military said, “A short time ago, in response to repeated ceasefire violations by Hezbollah, which continues to prepare and carry out terrorist attacks against Israeli soldiers, the army struck Hezbollah infrastructure sites in the Bekaa Valley.”The military maintained that Hezbollah continued to pose a threat to Israeli forces deployed near the border and justified the latest strikes as necessary security measures.According to AFP, Israel said the operation followed an attack that killed four Israeli soldiers in southern Lebanon.The Israeli military identified one of the dead as a lieutenant colonel and said the identities of the remaining three soldiers would be released later.
Fighting continues despite Iran-US deal
The latest violence comes despite provisions in the recently signed Iran-US agreement that called for an end to hostilities between Israel and Lebanon.Israel has repeatedly argued that military operations against Hezbollah must continue as long as the group remains capable of launching attacks into northern Israel.Israeli officials have also maintained that they need freedom of military action in parts of southern Lebanon to counter perceived threats from Hezbollah.Lebanese authorities, meanwhile, have continued to report casualties and destruction resulting from Israeli strikes across the country’s south.The latest escalation underscores the fragility of the broader diplomatic framework that emerged following the agreement between Washington and Tehran.
Switzerland confirms delay in Iran-US technical talks
The violence coincided with the postponement of planned technical-level talks involving the United States and Iran that were expected to take place in Switzerland.Responding to an email from ANI, Switzerland’s Foreign Ministry confirmed the delay.“The planned talks between the US, Iran, Qatar and Pakistan have been postponed. Switzerland remains ready to facilitate these talks. The relevant preparatory work at Burgenstock is continuing. No further information can be provided at present,” the ministry said.The talks were expected to focus on implementing various aspects of the Iran-US agreement and advancing negotiations aimed at securing a long-term settlement following the conflict.
US says delegation ready to travel
The White House also confirmed that US Vice President JD Vance would not travel to Switzerland as initially expected because the negotiations had not yet been finalised.A White House spokesperson said preparations remained in place for the talks once logistical arrangements were completed.“As the Vice President said at his press conference, the plans for the upcoming technical talks have not been finalised, and the US delegation has been prepared to depart at the first available opportunity. But the logistics of these negotiations have never been simple or predictable,” the spokesperson said.The spokesperson added, “As of now, the Vice President is not departing tonight. We will let you know as soon as we have a concrete update about next steps. We look forward to beginning technical talks as soon as possible.”The delay comes at a sensitive moment as negotiators attempt to convert the broader political agreement into concrete implementation measures.
Tehran warns against violations
Meanwhile, Iran signalled that it remained cautious about the implementation of the agreement and warned of a response if commitments were violated.According to ISNA News Agency, the Iranian Secretariat of the Supreme National Security Council said it was closely monitoring developments.The council stated that “with complete distrust of the renegade and treaty-breaking enemy and with close monitoring of the negotiation process and implementation of plans, if any violations or violations are committed by the American side, countermeasures will be taken according to a predetermined plan.”The statement reflected continuing Iranian concerns about the durability of commitments made under the agreement and the possibility of future disputes over implementation.
Hezbollah-linked media links delay to Lebanon fighting
According to Al-Mayadeen, a pan-Arab satellite television channel politically aligned with Hezbollah, Iran delayed sending its delegation to Switzerland because of Israel’s continuing military campaign in Lebanon.The report suggested that ongoing Israeli operations had complicated efforts to move forward with technical negotiations.While neither Tehran nor Washington officially linked the postponement to developments in Lebanon, the continued violence has added uncertainty to an already complex diplomatic process.Also see: Israel Iran War Updates.
