Israel Strikes Lebanon Despite Ceasefire; 380 Killed Since April 16 Truce
Primary region Middle East
Tags Security · Diplomacy
Regions Middle East
Israeli strikes killed at least 13 people in Lebanon on May 12, including two paramedics, as the April 16 US-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah continues to be violated by both sides. At least 380 people have been killed and 1,122 wounded since the truce began. Israel says it has struck more than 1,100 sites in Lebanon since the ceasefire. Hezbollah has published videos of over 45 FPV drone attacks on Israeli forces, 28 of them since the ceasefire. Lebanese and Israeli officials are scheduled to meet in Washington on May 14 to determine the next phase. Iran and Pakistan have stated that any US-Iran peace deal must include a halt to Israeli strikes in Lebanon.
Strategic interpretation
The Lebanon theater is a critical spoiler for any US-Iran nuclear deal — Tehran insists on an end to Israeli strikes as a precondition, while Israel demands Hezbollah's disarmament. The Washington talks on May 14 may determine whether a Lebanon track can be separated from the broader Iran negotiations. Hezbollah's escalating FPV drone campaign signals that the group is prepared to increase costs for Israel regardless of diplomatic progress.