Israeli strikes and exchanges of fire continue in southern Lebanon despite ceasefire optimism

The IDF struck Hezbollah squads in southern Lebanon on Monday after the group fired rockets, mortars and an anti-tank missile at Israeli troops operating in the area. The army said the Air Force intercepted several rockets aimed at the IDF’s area of operations, and, in line with its policy, no alerts were activated.

Earlier in the day, anti-tank fire and mortar rounds were launched at soldiers in several incidents. No casualties were reported. In four separate cases, forces also identified militants approaching in vehicles and posing a threat, prompting fighter jets to hit those targets. The military said it would keep acting against any threat to its troops.

The fighting came as Lebanese media and officials described progress toward a ceasefire backed by the United States and Tehran. Lebanese officials and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri welcomed what they called new understandings meant to end the war. Lebanese sources said Hezbollah had agreed to respect the deal and would avoid military activity as long as Israel stops its strikes.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi echoed that call and urged a complete halt to Israeli attacks in the area. Despite Lebanese army advice to wait for the picture to become clearer, many civilians began returning in the morning to villages and towns in southern Lebanon. Lebanese leaders are now demanding an Israeli withdrawal from positions it holds beyond the border as a basic condition for deploying the Lebanese army and allowing full civilian return.