Tensions between Israel and Hezbollah have escalated as Israeli forces carried out airstrikes on the southern suburbs of Beirut, following rocket attacks on northern Israel.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz cited repeated ceasefire violations by Hezbollah and attacks on Israeli cities as the reason for the strikes.The southern Beirut suburb of Dahiyeh, where Hezbollah has strong support, saw residents fleeing after warnings of imminent attacks.Overnight airstrikes in southern Lebanon killed six people, including a Syrian national, while Israel intercepted projectiles launched from Lebanon.Hezbollah reported targeting Israeli troops and infrastructure in northern Israel.The clashes come despite a nominal ceasefire since mid-April and ahead of scheduled Israel-Lebanon talks in Washington.

Diplomatic efforts are ongoing, with US officials proposing a fresh path to negotiations, but key Lebanese figures demand Israel halt its military actions first.The recent fighting has already resulted in over 3,400 deaths in Lebanon, displacing more than a million people.Israeli forces continue to face challenges from Hezbollah’s use of fibre-optic drones, which have caused casualties among soldiers and contractors.The situation remains volatile as both sides maintain military operations while diplomatic discussions proceed.