'All of Lebanon must burn!' Israel strikes kill 18 after death of four soldiers
Israel strikes Hezbollah infrastructure in Lebanon (Image credit: X) Israel says strikes targeted Hezbollah infrastructure Fighting continues despite Iran-US deal Switzerland confirms delay in Iran-US
Israel strikes Hezbollah infrastructure in Lebanon (Image credit: X) Israel says strikes targeted Hezbollah infrastructure Fighting continues despite Iran-US deal Switzerland confirms delay in Iran-US technical talks US says delegation ready to travel Tehran warns against violations Hezbollah-linked media links delay to Lebanon fighting 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 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."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.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.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.
The BriefWire