Jerusalem

Israel's military said on Friday that it carried out overnight strikes across southern Lebanon, while Hezbollah reported fierce clashes in the region, raising concerns over the future of the recently announced framework aimed at ending hostilities involving Iran and its regional allies.

According to Lebanon's state-run National News Agency, at least 16 people were killed in the latest wave of airstrikes. The Israeli military confirmed that operations in southern Lebanon were continuing.

The renewed violence threatens to undermine the recently announced agreement between the United States and Iran, which calls for an immediate halt to military activities on all fronts, including Lebanon, where Israeli forces have been engaged in conflict with the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah.

The agreement also emphasises the protection of Lebanon’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has maintained that Israeli troops will remain in Lebanon until what he describes as the threat posed by Hezbollah is fully neutralised. With elections approaching later this year, Netanyahu has resisted calls for a complete withdrawal.

Meanwhile, efforts to negotiate a long-term settlement between the United States and Iran have encountered delays. Planned talks in Switzerland were postponed after US Vice President JD Vance deferred his visit, where he was expected to lead the American delegation.

The White House attributed the postponement to logistical challenges. However, reports from the Beirut-aligned pan-Arab broadcaster Al-Mayadeen suggested that Iran delayed sending its delegation because of Israel's ongoing military operations in Lebanon.

The diplomatic initiative gained momentum earlier this week when US President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron met at Palace of Versailles, where Trump formally endorsed the initial understanding with Iran.

Following the signing, Vance issued a pointed message to Israel, stating that Trump remained "the only head of state in the world" currently showing strong support for Israel, highlighting growing international scrutiny of the conflict.

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The situation remains fluid as diplomatic efforts continue alongside military operations, leaving uncertainty over whether the emerging ceasefire framework can be sustained.