Heavy Fighting Continues Between Israel and Hezbollah Despite US-Iran Peace Deal

Fresh fighting has erupted between Israel and Hezbollah despite a newly signed agreement between the United States and Iran aimed at ending hostilities across the Middle East.

The Israeli military said it carried out strikes on around 80 Hezbollah-linked targets in Lebanon and claimed that dozens of fighters were killed. The attacks came just one day after Washington and Tehran signed a deal intended to reduce tensions in the region and establish a permanent ceasefire framework, including in Lebanon.

However, both Israel and Hezbollah have continued military operations, raising concerns about whether the agreement can hold. Israel has maintained that its conflict with Hezbollah is separate from its broader tensions with Iran and has indicated that it does not plan to withdraw its forces from southern Lebanon.

Lebanese officials reported that Israeli airstrikes hit several areas in the Nabatieh district, killing at least 18 people and injuring dozens more. Buildings were damaged in what local authorities described as one of the heaviest bombardments seen during the conflict.

Hezbollah said it responded by attacking Israeli forces in southern Lebanon, claiming to have destroyed several tanks and targeted troops with rocket and artillery fire.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed a strong response following the deaths of four Israeli soldiers, stating that Israel would not tolerate attacks on its forces or territory. He said Hezbollah would pay a heavy price for future attacks.

The conflict intensified after Hezbollah launched rockets into Israel following a strike that killed Iran's supreme leader. Israel responded with a major military campaign in Lebanon and occupied parts of southern Lebanese territory. Since then, thousands of people have been killed or injured, and large numbers of civilians have been displaced from their homes.

The continued violence has created tension between Israel and the United States. President Donald Trump's administration has pushed for a broader regional settlement, while some members of Israel's government have criticized the agreement with Iran and called for stronger military action.

French officials have also urged Israel to respect the terms of the agreement and called on the United States to help preserve stability in the region.

Although the US-Iran deal includes commitments to pursue a final settlement within 60 days, ongoing clashes between Israel and Hezbollah highlight the challenges facing efforts to secure lasting peace. With both sides showing little sign of backing down, uncertainty remains over whether the latest diplomatic breakthrough can bring an end to the conflict.