BEIRUT — Israel continued air strikes against what it said were Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon on Monday, as cross-border hostilities persisted despite efforts to contain a broader escalation between the two sides.
Lebanon's state-run National News Agency reported that an Israeli drone strike targeted a vehicle in the southern city of Nabatieh, killing four people. The agency did not immediately identify the victims or specify whether they were affiliated with Hezbollah. Reuters was not able to independently verify the identities of those killed.
The Israeli military has repeatedly said its operations in southern Lebanon are aimed at degrading Hezbollah's military capabilities and preventing attacks on northern Israel. Israeli officials maintain that Hezbollah continues to operate military infrastructure in violation of understandings intended to reduce hostilities along the border.
Hezbollah had not immediately issued a statement on Monday's reported strike. The Iran-backed Lebanese armed group has previously said it is responding to Israeli military operations and the continued presence of Israeli forces in parts of southern Lebanon.
The latest strike came amid continuing exchanges of fire that have raised concerns about the durability of efforts by regional and international mediators to prevent a wider conflict. Although diplomatic initiatives have sought to reduce violence, Israeli military operations in southern Lebanon and intermittent Hezbollah attacks have continued in recent weeks.
Lebanese officials have repeatedly accused Israel of violating ceasefire arrangements through air strikes and military operations inside Lebanese territory. Israel, in turn, says Hezbollah has continued launching attacks and maintaining military positions near the border, making further operations necessary to protect Israeli communities.
The conflict along the Israel-Lebanon frontier has intensified since renewed fighting earlier this year, displacing civilians on both sides of the border and causing extensive damage to towns and infrastructure in southern Lebanon. International officials, including representatives of the United Nations, have repeatedly urged all parties to exercise restraint and implement existing agreements designed to prevent further escalation.
No immediate announcement of additional military or diplomatic measures followed Monday's reported strike, and the situation along the border remained volatile as Israeli forces continued operations against what they described as Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon.
