Fresh Israeli air and drone strikes hit southern Lebanon on Saturday, leaving at least five people dead, according to Lebanese state media. The attacks took place only hours after a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah came into effect, raising concerns about the stability of the truce.
Multiple areas targeted overnight
Lebanon’s National News Agency (NNA) reported that Israeli warplanes and drones carried out a series of overnight attacks across the Nabatieh region. Several residential buildings and houses were reportedly damaged or destroyed during the strikes.
The agency also said artillery fire hit parts of Nabatieh and nearby areas before sunrise.
Ceasefire followed escalation in border conflict
The attacks came shortly after Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah movement agreed to suspend hostilities following days of intense cross-border clashes.
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The recent fighting had sparked fears that the conflict could expand into a wider regional confrontation involving multiple countries and armed groups.
According to a senior US official, the ceasefire became effective shortly before 4 pm local time on Friday. The agreement was separately confirmed by an Israeli official as well as Hezbollah representatives, according to Reuters.
The truce was reached through diplomatic efforts involving the United States and Qatar, with Iran also playing a supporting role in the negotiations.
Officials familiar with the talks said the primary objective was to reduce tensions along Lebanon’s southern border and prevent further instability in the region.
Recent violence claimed dozens of lives
The ceasefire followed one of the most serious rounds of fighting between Israel and Hezbollah in recent months.
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Reports indicate that Israeli military operations in Lebanon killed around 40 people, while Hezbollah attacks led to the deaths of four Israeli soldiers.
The violence added to growing concerns over the possibility of a broader conflict in the Middle East.
Despite the agreement, reports from Lebanese security sources suggested that military activity continued in the hours immediately following the ceasefire.
The situation has raised questions about whether both sides will fully adhere to the terms of the agreement.
Israel says operations will continue against threats
Israeli military spokesperson Brigadier General Effie Defrin stated that the country’s armed forces would maintain the ability to act against any perceived security threats.
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He said Israeli troops remained active in strategic locations, including the Beaufort Castle area and the Ali Taher ridge.
Defrin also accused Hezbollah of attempting to maintain military infrastructure and violating the understandings reached under the ceasefire arrangement.
Regional diplomacy back in focus
The latest developments have also affected wider diplomatic efforts in the region.
Planned discussions between the United States and Iran in Switzerland are expected to resume after earlier concerns that renewed fighting in Lebanon could disrupt negotiations related to regional security and the future of the Strait of Hormuz.
First published on: Jun 20, 2026 11:27 AM IST
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