Israel launches fresh strikes on Lebanon despite Trump criticism

BBC News 2026-06-17 10:01:42
Context: Israeli forces carried out new strikes in southern Lebanon, specifically in the Nabatieh al-Fawqa area and the outskirts of neighboring Kfar Tebnit, despite criticism from US President Donald Trump of Israel's actions in the country. The strikes are part of Israel's ongoing efforts to target the Iran-backed armed group Hezbollah. The renewed military action comes as the US and Iran are attempting to finalize a deal to end the war, with mediator Pakistan saying it includes Lebanon.

Key Facts

  • Israeli jets struck the Nabatieh al-Fawqa area and the outskirts of neighboring Kfar Tebnit in southern Lebanon, according to Lebanon's state-run National News Agency (NNA).
  • US President Donald Trump criticized Israel's actions in Lebanon, saying Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu needed "to be more responsible with respect to Lebanon" and that Israel had been fighting Hezbollah for "too long and too many people are being killed".
  • The Israeli military has not yet commented on the latest strikes, but has previously said it is targeting the Iran-backed armed group Hezbollah.
  • Iran's Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, warned that any Israeli attack on Lebanon or continued Israeli military presence in Lebanese territory would be viewed as a violation of the interim agreement with the US.
  • The US and Iran are expected to sign a deal on Friday in the Swiss resort of Bürgenstock, which Trump said would mean Iran would "never have a nuclear weapon" and that the crucial Strait of Hormuz waterway in the Gulf would reopen and be "toll-free".

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