Israeli strikes across Lebanon killed at least nine people on Wednesday and injured others, while Hezbollah launched rockets and drone attacks toward northern Israel, testing a recently announced partial ceasefire and ongoing US-mediated negotiations between Israeli and Lebanese officials in Washington.
The attacks included strikes on vehicles in southern Lebanon and an incident near the southern outskirts of Beirut, marking one of the closest attacks to the Lebanese capital since the latest truce efforts began. Lebanese authorities said the dead included medics, civilians and a soldier, while Israel reported intercepting incoming aerial threats and projectiles from Lebanon.
Lebanon's Health Ministry said two paramedics were killed when an ambulance was struck in the Chehour area, while six others were killed in the al-Housh area near the coastal city of Tyre. A Lebanese soldier was also killed in a separate strike in southern Lebanon, according to the Lebanese army. Lebanese officials accused Israel of continuing attacks despite ceasefire understandings, while state media reported additional strikes across the south.
At the same time, Israeli and Lebanese diplomats met in Washington for a second day of talks aimed at reinforcing the ceasefire framework. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said he hoped the discussions would result in a joint statement and an action plan focused on security in Lebanon independent of Hezbollah. Mediation efforts were also reported to be underway in Qatar as negotiators sought to prevent further escalation.
Hezbollah said it fired rockets at Israeli soldiers in northern Israel and carried out drone attacks against Israeli troops operating in southern Lebanon. The Israeli military said it intercepted a hostile aircraft and two projectiles that crossed into Israeli territory.
The violence unfolded amid growing diplomatic pressure. US President Donald Trump said he was "a little bit perturbed at his constantly fighting with Lebanon" when discussing recent exchanges with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Netanyahu maintained that Israel would continue efforts to disarm Hezbollah and address security concerns. Iran also warned against any future Israeli strike on Beirut, saying such a move could have serious consequences.
The next phase of negotiations is expected to be closely watched as both military activity and diplomatic efforts continue simultaneously.