Israel ramps up strikes in Lebanon

Israel conducted air and ground strikes in southern Lebanon and near the Syrian border on May 23, 2026, despite a formal ceasefire agreement in place since earlier in the month. The Israeli military targeted Hezbollah positions, including launch sites and infrastructure, in areas such as Marjayoun, Khiam, and Aitaroun, according to reports from Al Jazeera. Strikes also hit locations near Quneitra in the Syrian Golan Heights, where Israeli forces reported neutralizing threats from Iranian-backed militias. The attacks killed at least 20 people, including civilians, and wounded dozens more, Al Jazeera reported, citing Lebanese health officials and eyewitnesses. Residents in southern Lebanon described Israeli drone overflights and evacuation orders as creating "psychological terror," forcing thousands to flee their homes for the second time in weeks. The Lebanese army and Red Cross assisted in evacuations amid reports of damaged homes and infrastructure. The ceasefire, mediated by the U.S. and Qatar on May 10, 2026, required Hezbollah to withdraw fighters north of the Litani River and Israel to pull back from southern Lebanese positions. Israel has accused Hezbollah of violating the truce by maintaining presence south of the river and firing rockets, prompting the strikes as "preemptive" actions, an Israeli military spokesperson said. Hezbollah denied violations and called the strikes a "flagrant breach," vowing retaliation. On the same day, Pakistan's army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, visited Tehran for talks with Iranian leaders, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian. The visit focused on regional security and economic ties, amid Iran's role in broader Middle East ceasefire negotiations with the U.S. Iranian state media reported discussions on the Strait of Hormuz, which Tehran insists remains under its control despite U.S.-Iran talks. U.S. President Donald Trump stated on May 23 that a broader U.S.-Iran agreement to end Middle East hostilities was "largely negotiated," though details on Lebanon were not specified. Israeli officials described the emerging U.S.-Iran terms as "highly problematic," per sources cited by the Times of Israel, amid concerns over Iranian influence in Lebanon and Syria. Republican senators called it a "nightmare for Israel." Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati condemned the strikes and appealed to the UN Security Council for enforcement of Resolution 1701, which calls for a demilitarized zone south of the Litani. The UN peacekeeping force UNIFIL reported increased tensions and urged restraint. Hezbollah's political chief, Naim Qassem, warned of escalation if strikes continue. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said operations would persist until threats are removed. Monitoring groups like the Israel-Lebanon border observatory reported over 50 strikes on May 23, compared to sporadic incidents earlier in the week. Casualties since the ceasefire began total over 50 Lebanese, per health ministry figures, with Israel reporting five soldiers wounded in prior exchanges. U.S. and Qatari mediators are scheduled to convene virtually on May 25 to address violations.