Israeli forces have carried out further airstrikes in southern Lebanon, according to Lebanese state media, even as US President Donald Trump voiced renewed criticism of Israel's military activities in the country. Reports from Lebanon's National News Agency (NNA) on Wednesday detailed strikes in the Nabatieh al-Fawqa area and the outskirts of Kfar Tebnit. While the Israeli military has not yet commented on these latest incidents, it has previously stated its operations are aimed at the Iran-backed armed group Hezbollah.
These developments unfold against the backdrop of an impending agreement between the United States and Iran, which is said to include provisions concerning Lebanon. The full text of this deal, referred to as a memorandum of understanding, has not been publicly released. However, mediator Pakistan has indicated Lebanon's inclusion, and both parties are reportedly expected to sign the agreement on Friday in Bürgenstock, Switzerland. Iran's Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, has already issued a warning, stating that any Israeli attack on Lebanon or a continued Israeli military presence in Lebanese territory would be considered a violation of this interim agreement.
The latest Israeli strikes follow a period of heightened tensions. Earlier this week, an Israeli airstrike on Beirut, in response to a cross-border rocket attack by Hezbollah, reportedly put pressure on efforts to finalise the US-Iran deal. Speaking at the G7 summit in France on Tuesday, President Trump publicly admonished Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, stating he needed to be 'more responsible with respect to Lebanon'. Trump further commented that Israel had been fighting Hezbollah for 'too long and too many people are being killed', adding that he 'didn't like that he did an attack... that was too much'.
Despite expressing a 'great relationship' with Netanyahu, Trump underscored the US's pivotal role in Israel's existence, asserting, 'Without the United States, there would be no Israel. Without me, there would be no Israel because no other president was willing to do what I did.' Netanyahu, however, affirmed on Monday that Israeli forces would remain in Lebanon 'for as long as necessary'. The proposed US-Iran deal, according to Trump, would ensure Iran 'never have a nuclear weapon' and facilitate the reopening of the crucial Strait of Hormuz waterway, making it 'toll-free'. This new agreement is being presented by Trump as a superior alternative to the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which was negotiated under the Obama administration.
For British nationals, the ongoing instability in Lebanon is a significant concern. The UK Foreign Office currently advises against all travel to large parts of Lebanon, including areas south of the Litani River, due to the volatile security situation. Any escalation of conflict could further impact the safety of British citizens in the region and disrupt humanitarian efforts. UK trade relations with the wider Middle East could also face indirect consequences from increased regional instability, potentially affecting shipping routes and energy supplies, though direct trade with Lebanon is relatively small.
The UK Government has consistently called for de-escalation in the Middle East and supports diplomatic efforts to achieve lasting peace and stability in the region. A spokesperson for the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) reiterated the importance of adherence to international law and the protection of civilians in any military operations. The FCDO's travel advice for Lebanon remains under constant review, urging British nationals to monitor local media and follow the advice of local authorities.
Source: Lebanon's National News Agency (NNA), US President Donald Trump, Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, UK Foreign Office