Israeli aircraft struck Beirut and southern Lebanon during the week of April 20. Both governments had pledged to respect the ceasefire signed weeks earlier.
The Strikes
Multiple explosions shook Beirut. Civilians were killed and wounded, according to Lebanese officials. BBC Middle East correspondent Hugo Bachega filed from the city, where he spoke to residents still in shock.
The Israeli military said the strikes targeted Hezbollah positions. Lebanon’s government called them unprovoked attacks on civilian areas.
In Majdal Zoun, Hezbollah said it shot down an Israeli drone. The group also claimed an attack on Israeli soldiers in the town of Taybeh.
Ceasefire Extended
At a White House meeting, Israel and Lebanon agreed to extend the ceasefire by three weeks. President Trump announced the deal.
The extension has not stopped the fighting. Iran’s deputy foreign minister told the BBC that Israeli strikes in Lebanon are a “grave violation” of the ceasefire. He said Washington must choose between “war and ceasefire.”
Tehran has cited Israeli action in Lebanon as a breach of the broader US-Iran truce.
Peace Talks
Senior Lebanese and Israeli officials are scheduled to meet in the United States to discuss a longer-term arrangement.
A senior Lebanese official told the BBC that Lebanon would join talks only if the ceasefire is actually holding. That condition looks increasingly uncertain after this week’s strikes.
The Context
Israel has fought Hezbollah in Lebanon since the regional escalation that began in October 2023. The Iran war, now in its 59th day, has strained every ceasefire in the region. Hezbollah is Iran’s most powerful proxy force. Israel treats any Hezbollah military activity as a direct Iranian-backed threat.
Defense Minister Israel Katz has ordered the IDF to use “full force” in Lebanon during the ceasefire if troops face any threat.
