Israel’s military said Friday its forces struck targets throughout southern Lebanon overnight as Hezbollah reported intense fighting in the area, threatening the nascent agreement between Iran and the United States to end their war. "During the night, the army struck and continues to strike Hezbollah terrorists and infrastructure in several areas in southern Lebanon," the Israeli military said in a statement. Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency reported at least 16 people were killed in Israeli airstrikes. Israeli military vehicles and an Israeli flag, seen in a village inside south Lebanon close to the border as seen from northern Israel, June 18, 2026. REUTERS/Gil Eliyahu Continued fighting in Lebanon could unravel the newly signed deal, which calls for an immediate halt to military operations “on all fronts, including in Lebanon,” where Israel has been battling Hezbollah, and for ensuring Lebanon’s “territorial integrity and sovereignty.” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has refused to withdraw, saying Israeli forces will remain in Lebanon until the threat from Hezbollah has been eliminated. The attacks came as planned talks in Switzerland between Iran and the United States over their efforts to reach a permanent end to the Iran war were delayed. US Vice President JD Vance on Thursday put off his trip to Switzerland where he had been set to lead the talks. The White House blamed logistical issues. US President Donald Trump signed the initial pact with Iran on Wednesday while dining with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Palace of Versailles, which took immediate effect. In comments following the signing, Vance offered a blunt warning to Israel, saying Trump was “the only head of state in the entire world who is sympathetic to the nation of Israel at this moment in time.”
