Israel defies US-Iran deal as border fighting flares

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz confirmed that military forces will remain entrenched across southern Lebanon, specifically targeting the territory from the Mediterranean coast to the Beaufort heights. Katz stated that the 200,000 displaced residents of the region will not be permitted to return, as the military continues to raze villages to solidify a security buffer. This position stands in direct opposition to the U.S.-Iran agreement, which mandates an immediate cessation of hostilities and the restoration of Lebanese sovereignty.

On the ground, the humanitarian toll is mounting. Lebanon’s health ministry reported 18 deaths and 33 injuries across 11 towns following heavy overnight airstrikes, with rescue operations hampered by persistent bombardment. In the village of Harouf, seven people were killed, while heavy fighting concentrated near the Ali al-Taher hill, where Hezbollah claimed to have destroyed three Merkava tanks.

Internal pressure within the Israeli government is intensifying, with far-right ministers demanding an even more aggressive military posture. Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir have publicly criticized the U.S.-Iran deal, calling for severe retaliation and the expansion of operations. Since the conflict began on March 2, the Lebanese health ministry has recorded 3,912 deaths, while the Israeli military reports the loss of at least 32 soldiers and four civilians.