The Israeli military conducted air strikes in southern Lebanon Wednesday morning, targeting Tyre and Nabatieh. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denies that a US-Iran ceasefire deal includes Lebanon, where Israel is engaged with the Iranian-backed group Hezbollah.
Over 1,500 people have been killed in Lebanon, with more than 1.2 million displaced. Villages near the border have been destroyed as Israeli troops aim to create a security buffer zone. The conflict escalated after Hezbollah fired rockets into Israel in retaliation for the killing of Iran's supreme leader.
Hezbollah's capabilities have surprised observers, despite criticism for drawing Lebanon into the war. The displacement crisis has strained Lebanon's resources, increasing sectarian tensions. The Lebanese government has signaled openness to direct negotiations with Israel, an offer Israel has not yet accepted.