Israeli forces carried out overnight strikes across southern Lebanon, Israel’s military said on Friday. Hezbollah, meanwhile, reported heavy fighting in the same areas.
The latest escalation came as planned talks between the United States and Iran in Switzerland, aimed at a long-term settlement of the Iran conflict, were postponed.
Israel’s military presence in southern Lebanon and its ongoing operations against the Iran-backed Shia group Hezbollah remain central issues in the wider negotiations.
Israeli officials argue that their forces must retain control of the area and continue operations against Hezbollah. They accuse the group of launching attacks into northern Israel.
The delay in the talks followed a report by pan-Arab satellite channel Al-Mayadeen, which is politically aligned with Hezbollah, AFP reported. It said Iran postponed sending its delegation to Switzerland due to Israel’s continued military campaign in Lebanon.
