At least 18 people were killed and 33 wounded in a series of Israeli airstrikes across southern Lebanon as fighting between Israel and Hezbollah intensified despite efforts to reduce regional tensions.

Lebanese authorities reported casualties in multiple towns and villages, while Israel said it had struck more than 80 targets, including command centres, launch sites and other infrastructure it associated with Hezbollah.The Israeli military stated that dozens of Hezbollah members were killed during the operations.The escalation followed the deaths of four Israeli soldiers in southern Lebanon.

According to Israeli military officials, the soldiers were killed when a tank was struck by what was believed to be either a drone or an anti-tank missile.An additional reserve officer was seriously wounded in a separate drone attack.

The deaths prompted strong reactions from Israeli political leaders, including National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, who called for severe retaliation against Lebanon.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel would maintain its military presence in a security zone in southern Lebanon for as long as necessary and warned that Hezbollah would pay a heavy price for attacks on Israeli forces.Defence Minister Israel Katz similarly pledged a forceful response to future attacks.

Hezbollah claimed responsibility for several attacks on Israeli troops near the Ali al-Taher hills overlooking Nabatieh, including rocket, mortar and anti-tank operations.The group said clashes were ongoing in the area.The violence represents one of the most significant escalations since a US-Iran agreement aimed at reducing conflict across the Middle East.

Despite diplomatic efforts and an earlier ceasefire arrangement intended to limit hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, both sides continue to exchange attacks, raising concerns about a broader regional confrontation.