Israel escalates strikes on Lebanon amid Trump’s criticism

Wed Jun 17 2026 22:19:06 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Despite U.S. President Trump’s disapproval, Israel continues drone and jet attacks in southern Lebanon, sparking fears of a broader conflict.

Israeli forces launched additional air strikes in southern Lebanon, striking villages such as Mansouri and Aaziyyeh, while jets hit suburban areas including Nabatieh al‑Fawqa and Kfar Tebnit. The attacks come after the U.S. announced a deal with Iran that includes Lebanon, prompting Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu to pledge that troops would remain “for as long as necessary.” Trump, speaking at the G7 summit, slammed the strikes as “too much” and warned of a “harsh response” from Iran’s Hezb‑Allah. Hezbollah’s leader hailed the U.S.–Iran agreement as a victory and called for Israeli withdrawal, while Lebanese officials urged a ceasefire. The conflict, which began in March 2026, has already claimed over 3,800 lives, and the new strikes raise the risk of escalation on the Israel‑Lebanon border.

Israel escalates strikes on Lebanon amid Trump’s criticism

Israeli forces carried out fresh drone and jet attacks on Wednesday in southern Lebanon, hitting the towns of Mansouri, Aaziyyeh, Nabatieh al‑Fawqa and Kfar Tebnit. The strikes injured several civilians and wounded 30 Israeli soldiers during a separate drone incident over the border.

The new operations follow the U.S. announcement of a memorandum of understanding with Iran that includes Lebanon, a development that prompted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to say Israeli forces would remain in Lebanon “for as long as necessary.”

On the sidelines of the G7 summit in France, President Donald Trump criticised the Prime Minister, declaring the strikes “too much” and warning of a “harsh response” if Israel continued its “malice” in the south. He also suggested that the U.S.‑Iran deal could curb the conflict and restore sovereignty to Lebanon.

Hezbollah’s leader, Naim Qassem, hailed the agreement as a “great victory” and urged Lebanese politicians to seek Israeli withdrawal. Meanwhile, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun emphasised an independent path toward ceasefire and welcomed support from all quarters, including Iran.

The violence has seen more than 3,800 deaths in Lebanon since the conflict began on 2 March 2026, with casualties on both sides. Israeli‑Lebanese tensions remain high as the U.S.‑Iran pact moves forward.

Key points:

Israel conducted drone strikes on Mansouri and Aaziyyeh, injuring civilians.

Jets attacked Nabatieh al‑Fawqa and Kfar Tebnit.

Trump criticised Israel’s actions and warned of Iranian retaliation.

Hezbollah praised the U.S.‑Iran agreement and demanded Israeli withdrawal.

Lebanese officials called for a ceasefire amid escalating clashes.

For further detail, read the BBC story on the Iran‑U.S. agreement’s impact on Lebanon.

While a video of the Israeli strikes is available on BBC’s site, the key images from the conflict show smoke rising above the border area during the latest raid.

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