JERUSALEM, June 19 — Israel’s military said its forces struck targets throughout southern Lebanon overnight as Hezbollah reported intense fighting in the area. The clashes threatened a nascent agreement between Iran and the United States to end their war, prompting the postponement of talks planned for Friday in Switzerland. Vice President JD Vance had been scheduled to attend.
Mediators worked to reschedule the meetings, which are seen as crucial for starting negotiations over a permanent end to the conflict, regional officials said. The deal, which calls for an immediate halt to military operations “on all fronts, including in Lebanon,” aims to end the war and has reopened the Strait of Hormuz to international shipping. It also brings the U.S. and Iran back to the negotiating table over Tehran’s nuclear program. President Donald Trump said he signed the agreement, which also ensures Lebanon’s “territorial integrity and sovereignty.”
Casualties mount in Lebanon and Israel
Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency reported at least 18 people were killed in Israeli airstrikes. The Israeli military said the airstrikes were ongoing and that four of its soldiers had been killed in fighting in southern Lebanon, including a lieutenant colonel. An explosive drone attack wounded another five soldiers, the military added.
Israel’s military also struck targets in Lebanon’s eastern Bekaa Valley on Friday. Lebanese media reported the village of Douris was hit. The Israeli military’s actions are part of a larger conflict in the region, where Israel has been battling the Iran-backed Hezbollah militant group.
Diplomatic efforts continue amid escalation
The continued fighting in Lebanon could unravel the newly signed deal. The postponement of the Iran-U.S. talks may be a setback, but the fact that mediators are working to reschedule the meetings is viewed as a positive sign. The U.S. administration is watching developments closely. The key will be finding a way to halt the fighting in Lebanon and get the talks back on track in order to move forward with the agreement and bring an end to the war.
