Israel launches fresh strikes on Lebanon despite Trump criticism

June 17, 2026

Israeli military forces conducted fresh airstrikes in southern Lebanon's Nabatieh al-Fawqa area and Kfar Tebnit despite increasing pressure from President Trump to cease operations. Trump publicly criticized Prime Minister Netanyahu at the G7 summit in France, telling him to act more responsibly regarding Lebanon and expressing disapproval of recent Israeli strikes. The criticism comes as the US and Iran work toward finalizing a deal that reportedly includes provisions about Lebanon, with both countries expected to sign the agreement in Switzerland on Friday.

Who is affected

Israeli forces conducting military operations
Residents of southern Lebanon (specifically Nabatieh al-Fawqa and Kfar Tebnit areas)
Hezbollah (Iran-backed armed group)
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
US President Donald Trump
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi
G7 summit participants
Civilian casualties in Lebanon

What action is being taken

Israeli jets are striking areas in southern Lebanon (Nabatieh al-Fawqa and Kfar Tebnit)
Both Israel and Hezbollah are carrying out attacks against each other
Israeli forces are remaining deployed in Lebanon
Pakistan is mediating the US-Iran deal
The US and Iran are working toward signing an agreement

Why it matters

This situation matters because it represents a significant diplomatic tension between the US and its traditional ally Israel, with Trump publicly criticizing Netanyahu's military actions. The ongoing violence threatens to derail a broader US-Iran agreement that could address nuclear issues and regional stability, including reopening the Strait of Hormuz. The continued Israeli-Hezbollah exchanges risk escalating into broader regional conflict despite diplomatic efforts to establish peace, and any violation of the interim US-Iran agreement could unravel these fragile negotiations.

What's next

Both the US and Iran are expected to sign the deal on Friday in Bürgenstock, Switzerland
Trump plans to hold a news conference to publicly read the US-Iran agreement "word by word"
The Strait of Hormuz waterway in the Gulf would reopen and be "toll-free" under the agreement

Read full article from source: BBC