Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon postpone US-Iran ceasefire talks
Israel said its forces hit multiple targets in southern Lebanon overnight, killing four soldiers, as the fighting led to the postponement of planned US-Iran negotiations in Switzerland.
Israel’s military reported overnight strikes on targets across southern Lebanon, including the eastern Bekaa Valley, after Hezbollah said fighting intensified in the area. The Israeli defence ministry said four of its soldiers, including a lieutenant colonel, were killed and five others wounded by a drone attack.
Lebanon’s state news agency said at least 18 people died in the Israeli airstrikes. The renewed attacks occurred as talks in Switzerland between the United States and Iran, aimed at converting a temporary cease-fire into a permanent agreement, were delayed.
U.S. Vice President JD Vance postponed his scheduled trip to the talks, citing logistical issues. Regional officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said mediators were concentrating on de-escalating the Lebanon conflict and that Iran withdrew from the meeting because of the fighting and Israeli statements they said violated the interim deal.
The interim agreement, signed earlier this week, calls for an immediate halt to military operations on all fronts, including Lebanon, and seeks to reopen the Strait of Hormuz for commercial shipping. Iranian officials have indicated a willingness to continue direct negotiations, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated that Israeli forces will remain in a security zone in southern Lebanon as long as security needs require it.
U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee posted on social media that Israeli actions are a response to attacks, adding that a cease-fire would occur when Hezbollah stops firing.
The postponement of the Swiss talks adds uncertainty to the process of finalising a lasting settlement that would address sanctions relief, maritime security and nuclear-related measures between the United States and Iran.
