BEIRUT/JERUSALEM, June 19 (Xinhua) -- Israel has intensified its strikes in Lebanon, despite a recently signed Iran-U.S. memorandum of understanding (MoU) stipulating an end to military operations on all fronts, including Lebanon.
According to Lebanese official sources, at least 26 people were killed and dozens more injured in Israeli strikes on Lebanon on Friday.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israel would "exact a very heavy price" from Lebanon's Hezbollah, after the Israeli military announced the deaths of four soldiers in southern Lebanon earlier in the day.
As the offensive escalates, Israel and Hezbollah have accused each other of violating the ceasefire agreement.
In a statement released by his office, Netanyahu said the attack by Hezbollah was "a flagrant violation of the ceasefire," adding that he had instructed the Israeli military overnight to strike Hezbollah "with force."
Hezbollah denied the Israeli accusation, asserting that Israel had never adhered to any ceasefire agreement since Nov. 27, 2024.
In a statement, the group said Israel had continued to breach the truce through military attacks, destruction of residential buildings and civilian infrastructure, as well as ground incursions.
Hezbollah also pointed to the Iran-U.S. MoU, noting its first provision called for ending the war on all fronts, including Lebanon.
It accused Israel of disregarding the ceasefire, citing remarks by Israeli military chief Eyal Zamir two weeks ago that "there is no ceasefire in Lebanon," and statements by the Israeli army spokesman reaffirming the continuation of military operations in southern Lebanon.
The group vowed to continue responding to Israeli attacks, saying its fighters would defend Lebanese territory and people against what it described as ongoing Israeli aggression.
Meanwhile, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on Friday also condemned the continued Israeli escalation in Lebanon.
"What we are witnessing today in the south and the Bekaa, in terms of the expansion of Israeli attacks and further killing and destruction, constitutes a dangerous and condemnable escalation," Aoun said in a statement.
He noted that the attacks had claimed the lives of dozens of civilians, including women and children, and were effectively undermining ongoing efforts to consolidate a ceasefire and end the war, particularly following recent developments between the United States and Iran.
Aoun stressed that the escalation would not deter efforts to achieve a comprehensive ceasefire as soon as possible, adding that he had instructed the Lebanese negotiating delegation to prioritize the issue during its upcoming round of talks with Israel in Washington.
The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah is casting a shadow over the implementation of the Iran-U.S. MoU.
Earlier, the United States, Iran, Qatar, and Pakistan were reportedly scheduled to convene on Friday at the Burgenstock resort in Switzerland to discuss the implementation of the MoU.
However, Lebanese broadcaster Al Mayadeen, citing sources, reported that the Iranian negotiating delegation had canceled its planned trip to Switzerland due to the ongoing Israeli aggression against Lebanon.
Iran's Foreign Ministry on Friday condemned the Israeli attacks on Lebanon and warned of consequences for regional security.
Iran, the United States and Pakistan early Monday announced the finalization of the MoU to end the war on all fronts, including Lebanon.
However, despite the MoU and a ceasefire agreement, Israel has continued to carry out airstrikes and military operations in southern Lebanon.■
