BEIRUT, (PIC)
Israeli attacks on southern Lebanon continued at a significant pace in recent hours despite US President Donald Trump’s announcement that a ceasefire understanding had been reached between Israel and Hezbollah, highlighting a clear gap between the declared political track and the rapidly evolving situation on the ground.
Media sources reported that Israeli drones carried out three strikes targeting the town of Toul in the Nabatieh district of southern Lebanon, while artillery shelling hit the towns of Nabatieh al-Fawqa, Choukin, and Kfartebnit.
Israeli warplanes also launched another strike near the town of Tebnine as part of a broader aerial and artillery escalation affecting several areas in southern Lebanon.
According to Lebanon’s National News Agency, an Israeli strike on the town of Marwaniyeh killed four people in a preliminary toll. Additional casualties and injuries were reported in another strike on the town of Shhour, while three people were wounded in shelling on Al-Bazourieh.
Israeli aircraft also carried out a series of additional airstrikes targeting the towns of Al-Bazourieh, Siddiqine, Yater, Bint Jbeil, Mansouri, and Buyout Al-Sayyad.
Meanwhile, Hezbollah announced that it had targeted two Merkava tanks with attack drones in the Baloua area of Haddatha, describing the operation as part of its response to ongoing Israeli military incursions and attacks.
The developments came despite Trump’s announcement on Monday evening that he had reached an understanding with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu aimed at preventing attacks on Beirut and establishing a mutual ceasefire. Trump claimed that Israel would refrain from attacking Hezbollah in exchange for a similar commitment from the group.
Trump also said that Israeli forces reportedly heading toward Beirut had been withdrawn and that indirect communications with Hezbollah had resulted in acceptance of de-escalation efforts.
At the same time, Axios cited US sources saying that Trump sharply criticized Netanyahu over the escalation in Lebanon during one of the most difficult conversations between the two leaders since Trump’s return to office.
The reported criticism came after Netanyahu allegedly ordered the Israeli military to carry out a major strike on Beirut’s southern suburbs.
Separately, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf stated that if the attacks continue, the current dialogue process could be halted, while also signaling possible confrontation with Israel.
In a phone call with Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, Ghalibaf said that Hezbollah and the Amal Movement were defending both their homeland and the wider Islamic nation. He emphasized that ties between Iran and Lebanon could not be severed and described the relationship as one of shared blood and destiny.
He added that efforts had been made over the previous two days to halt the Israeli attacks, warning that if they continued, not only would dialogue stop, but there would also be direct confrontation with Israel.
Ghalibaf further stated that efforts were underway to secure a ceasefire throughout Lebanon, particularly in the south, and suggested that any agreement aimed at ending tensions between Iran and the United States could potentially include a halt to hostilities on multiple fronts, including Lebanon.