Friday marked another flare-up of violence in Lebanon, as authorities reported 47 deaths from Israeli airstrikes. Israel also announced the loss of four soldiers’ lives.
This outbreak of fighting is the worst since the signing of a US-Iran deal aimed at curbing the broader Middle East conflict and halting hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Lebanon’s National News Agency (NNA) reported an additional Israeli strike on Jezzine, following a US official’s statement that Israel and Hezbollah had agreed to a ceasefire. An NNA journalist also noted drones over Tyre, while an AFP correspondent heard artillery shelling in Nabatieh.
The truce was reportedly brokered by US and Qatari mediators, as confirmed by a Gulf diplomat. Israeli military spokesman Brigadier General Effie Defrin stated that operations would continue based on directives from the political level.
Lebanon’s health ministry reported 47 deaths and 97 injuries from airstrikes and bombardments in Lebanon. Video footage showed hundreds fleeing Sidon due to the attacks.
Israel’s military claimed over 150 strikes since midnight, targeting more than 80 command centers, launch positions, and terrorist infrastructure sites in Nabatieh and other southern areas. Israeli forces also hit the Baalbek region east of Lebanon.
Israeli President Joseph Aoun deemed the latest attacks a dangerous escalation. Earlier, Israel reported four soldiers killed when a tank was struck by a suspected drone or anti-tank missile. Four others were lightly injured.
In response to the deaths, Israeli far-right Minister Itamar Ben Gvir called for Lebanon to “burn,” while Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused Israel of seeking permanent war. US officials, including President Donald Trump, expressed frustration over Israel’s campaign in Lebanon.
Hezbollah entered the conflict in early March after Israel attacked to avenge Iran’s supreme leader killed in US-Israeli strikes. Israel responded with airstrikes and ground invasion.