BEIRUT — Israeli warplanes carried out air strikes in southern Lebanon and areas near the city of Nabatieh on Saturday, Lebanese state media and military officials said, as regional tensions involving Iran continued to influence diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing hostilities across the Middle East.
The Israeli military said it targeted Hezbollah positions and infrastructure that it described as posing a threat to Israeli forces operating near the border. In statements released on Saturday, the military said the strikes were directed at sites used by the Iran-backed group for military activities. Israeli officials did not immediately provide a detailed assessment of damage or casualties.
Lebanon’s National News Agency reported air strikes and artillery fire in several locations in the south. The Lebanese Health Ministry said casualties were reported, although details remained unclear and casualty figures could not be independently verified. Lebanese authorities accused Israel of continuing military operations despite international calls for de-escalation.
The latest strikes occurred as negotiations involving the United States and Iran continued over a broader regional arrangement that could affect conflicts in Lebanon and elsewhere. Reuters reported that discussions on a possible agreement remained ongoing, although Iranian officials have expressed caution about the timing and scope of any deal. Israel is not a party to those negotiations.
Iran has repeatedly linked stability in the region to an end to Israeli military operations in Lebanon. Earlier this month, Iranian military officials warned that continued attacks in Lebanon could trigger what they described as a stronger response. Israeli officials rejected those warnings and said military operations against Hezbollah would continue.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said this week that Israel would “continue to operate in Lebanon against the terrorist organization Hezbollah,” according to statements released by his office and reported by multiple media outlets. Lebanese officials, meanwhile, called on international actors to pressure Israel to halt its operations.
The conflict in southern Lebanon has continued despite repeated diplomatic initiatives and ceasefire efforts. Hezbollah has said it has carried out attacks against Israeli forces in and around southern Lebanon, while Israel has maintained air and ground operations against the group’s positions.
As of Saturday evening, no new ceasefire announcement had been issued. Israeli military operations and Hezbollah activities were continuing in southern Lebanon, according to statements from both sides, while regional diplomatic efforts remained underway.
