Lead:

Despite a ceasefire agreement formally in effect, Israeli military operations persisted across southern Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley on Friday, killing and wounding dozens of civilians and targeting state infrastructure including the Banque du Liban branch in Nabatieh. Simultaneously, diplomatic activity intensified, with French, American, and Iranian officials engaged in parallel tracks, and Lebanese Army Commander General Rudolf Heikal convening senior military leadership to reaffirm institutional cohesion and civil peace as non-negotiable red lines.

Details:

According to Al-Addiyar and Newsd, Israeli strikes hit multiple towns and villages in the Nabatieh and Bekaa governorates overnight and into Friday morning. The Lebanese Health Ministry reported seven killed and thirteen wounded in a strike on the town of Qanareyt in the Sidon district. The Islamic Health Authority announced a preliminary toll of twenty-five dead and thirty-five wounded from attacks targeting Nabatieh. The Lebanese Army mourned two soldiers killed in separate Israeli strikes: First Sergeant Ali Ibrahim, who died of wounds sustained in Toulin, and Soldier Jamil Nahal, killed while on duty in a direct strike.

Banque du Liban issued a statement, cited by Newsd and Al-Addiyar, condemning the direct and deliberate targeting of its Nabatieh branch by Israeli forces, describing it as a strike against an official state institution. Finance Minister Yassin Jaber called the attack a direct message to the Lebanese state. Justice Minister Adel Nassar, quoted by Al-Addiyar, urged Lebanon to defend its interests against both Israel and Iran, noting that Iran had secured compensation and sanctions relief in its negotiations with Washington.

Hezbollah's media relations office issued a statement categorically denying Israeli claims of ceasefire violations by the group, asserting that the evidence clearly identifies Israel as the party undermining existing understandings. Member of Parliament Ali Ammar of the Wafa lil-Muqawama bloc, quoted by both Newsd and Al-Addiyar, warned that the region is passing through an extremely sensitive and dangerous phase, and accused the Lebanese authorities of making free concessions without regard to sacrifices made. Hezbollah separately stated it would not tolerate any Israeli attempt to expand its territorial foothold, even while maintaining its commitment to the ceasefire framework.

Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri is conducting intensive contacts with the American side, according to Newsd, anchored on two principles: achieving a full ceasefire and establishing a clear timetable for Israeli withdrawal. Israeli Channel 12, cited by Newsd, reported that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Defense Minister had instructed the army to halt fire in Lebanon while maintaining positions in currently occupied territory.

Watch For:

Whether Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi's reported trip to Switzerland, noted by Axios and cited by Newsd, produces binding commitments on the Lebanon ceasefire file, given Tehran's stated position that Lebanon remains a critical issue.

The Lebanese Army's capacity to deploy into contested southern zones, following General Heikal's emphasis on institutional readiness and civil peace, will serve as a concrete test of state authority on the ground.

Renewed American sanctions on Lebanese officials with alleged ties to Hezbollah, reported by Newsd, signal continued pressure on the political landscape even as ceasefire negotiations proceed.