At least 18 people dead in Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon, four Israeli soldiers killed in operations

Israeli strikes carried out on the night of Thursday June 18 to Friday June 19 in the Nabatiyé region, in southern Lebanon, left at least 18 dead and 33 injured, according to a provisional report from the Lebanese Ministry of Health. The Israeli army, for its part, announced the death of four of its soldiers, including a high-ranking officer, killed in operations in southern Lebanon.

The conclusion of the Iranian-American protocol, however, provides for a cessation of hostilities. This is the heaviest toll published since the announcement of the conclusion of the agreement on Monday, which provides for a ceasefire “on all fronts, including in Lebanon.”

This ceasefire seems more than compromised. Israel said it was carrying out new strikes against Hezbollah targets, after the Shiite group claimed to have destroyed three Israeli tanks during clashes between its fighters and an Israeli army unit in southern Lebanon.

“All of Lebanon must burn”, Israeli Minister of National Security Itamar Ben Gvir, a figure of the extreme right and key political ally of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, also said on Friday on “With all due respect to the Americans, Israel must make it clear to the entire world that the blood of our sons and the security of our citizens are not for sale,” a-t-il affirmé.

Lebanon was drawn into the regional conflict on March 2 by Hezbollah, in support of Tehran. Since then, the Israeli army has carried out massive strikes which left more than 3,900 dead, according to the Lebanese authorities, and a ground offensive in the south of the country. On the Israeli side, 31 soldiers and one civilian contractor have been killed since March 2.