Israel violates ceasefire agreement in Lebanon

Israel violates Lebanon ceasefire agreement in the opening hours of new US-led talks, according to Lebanese and Hezbollah statements. During negotiations in Washington aimed at consolidating Israel’s withdrawal from southern Lebanon, Lebanon’s National News Agency reported that Israeli soldiers opened fire near a bulldozer clearing a road in Deir, in Nabatieh al-Fawqa, with Lebanese Civil Defense saying two people were killed. Israel’s army said it targeted “a group of armed men” posing a direct threat in the Ali al-Taher Heights area inside what it calls the “security zone.” Hezbollah accused Israel of a “flagrant violation,” alleging machine-gun fire on civilians working to clear roads and recover bodies, while saying it had adhered to the truce since it began. The incident underscores tensions as Israel participates in negotiations while asserting its right to operate inside Lebanese territory, and Netanyahu said forces would remain “as long as necessary.”