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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
World
Anthony France

Israel and Hezbollah trade fire as ceasefire agreement is tested

Israel unleashed its largest wave of airstrikes across Lebanon, killing at least 11 people on Monday, after vowing to retaliate for an attack by Hezbollah on a military post.

Both sides accused each other of violating a 60-day ceasefire which came into effect last Wednesday.

Four deadly Israeli strikes took place on two southern Lebanese villages, according to the country’s public health ministry.

The Israel Defense Forces said it struck Hezbollah targets and infrastructure “throughout Lebanon”, while reiterating its commitment to the ceasefire agreement.

Hezbollah said it was responding to Israel’s “violations” when it fired “defensive warning” mortars at an Israeli army position in Mount Dov, a disputed area occupied by Israel.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the militant group’s attack as “a severe violation of the ceasefire”, vowing that Israel would “respond forcefully”.

Israeli soldiers speak to resident during a patrol near the Lebanese border (Getty Images)

Lebanon’s health ministry said the Israeli’s airstrike on the village of Haris killed five people.

Another hit in Tallousa killed four and also wounded two.

A person on a motorcycle died in a drone strike, according to state media. A corporal in the Lebanese security services was killed in another strike.

Officials in the US - which along with France helped broker the truce and heads a commission meant to monitor adherence to the deal - played down the significance of Israeli strikes.

White House national security spokesman John Kirby said: “Largely speaking, the ceasefire is holding.

“We’ve gone from dozens of strikes down to one a day maybe two a day.

“We’re going to keep trying and see what we can do to get it down to zero.”

Under the deal, Iran-backed Hezbollah has 60 days to withdraw its fighters and infrastructure from southern Lebanon. During that time, Israeli troops are also to withdraw to their side of the border.

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