Israeli military confirms strikes on Hezbollah infrastructure in southern Lebanon

The Israeli military confirmed on Friday morning that it continued to attack Hezbollah infrastructure in various areas of southern Lebanon. The statement followed overnight strikes against the Lebanese Shiite militia.

These actions come despite a recently signed memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran for a cessation of hostilities, which was expected to extend to Lebanon. The Lebanese National News Agency reported that at least 18 people were killed and 33 injured in Israeli attacks on two southern Lebanese areas, describing the actions as a violation of the agreement.

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The Israel Defense Forces attacked throughout the night and continue to attack terrorists and infrastructure of the Hezbollah terrorist organization in various areas of southern Lebanon.

However, the planned meeting in Geneva between the U.S., Iran, and mediators Qatar and Pakistan to discuss the cessation of hostilities has been postponed, according to confirmations from both the United States and the Swiss government. Iran has previously warned that the Lebanese front could derail the agreement if Israel continues its attacks.

Both the Israeli military and Hezbollah accused each other of violating the ceasefire on Friday, justifying their crossfire exchanges. Hezbollah claimed responsibility for attacks on Israeli troops and repelled an advance in southern Lebanon, asserting these actions were in legitimate self-defense. Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem stated that "mutual security" should be the "limit for negotiations," urging the use of the Iran-U.S. peace agreement to push Israel out of southern Lebanon. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, however, reiterated that the military would maintain a "security zone" in occupied southern Lebanese territories, stating Israel would not withdraw as long as security needs demanded it.

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mutual security