Israel struck more than 70 Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon Saturday, June 13, as Israeli officials warned that an emerging U.S.-Iran agreement could leave major security concerns unresolved.
The Israel Defense Forces said the operation targeted rocket launchers and buildings used by Hezbollah after the military issued evacuation warnings for more than 20 locations.
The strikes came as President Donald Trump said he expects the United States and Iran to sign a deal Sunday, June 14, with the Strait of Hormuz reopening immediately afterward, as previously reported by The Dallas Express.
Iran pushed back on Trump’s timeline. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said the signing would not take place Sunday but did not rule out an agreement in the coming days, Reuters reported.
Hezbollah Threat Looms
Hezbollah, a U.S.-designated foreign terrorist organization, remains one of Iran’s main armed proxies in Lebanon and a major security threat for Israel.
Israeli forces have continued pressing Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon while negotiations between Washington and Tehran move forward.
The Lebanese army withdrew from a base in Kfar Tebnit after Israeli troops advanced nearby, AP reported. Lebanon’s army also said an Israeli drone strike seriously wounded one of its soldiers near Nabatiyeh.
Israeli forces have also continued operations near Beaufort Castle, where the IDF has searched Hezbollah tunnel infrastructure after capturing the strategic site in late May.
Israel Fears Deal Could Fall Short
Israeli officials fear the proposed U.S.-Iran agreement could ease pressure on Tehran without fully addressing Iran’s missile program, nuclear material, or support for regional proxies.
“No one is happy with this,” a senior Israeli official told Ynet. “We understand that it is not good for us and that it harms Israeli interests. What is troubling is that Israel cannot influence it. Its voice is not being heard.”
Ynet reported that Israeli officials worry the deal could allow money to flow back into Iran’s economy while Hezbollah and other Iran-backed forces remain active across the region.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said Israel will not be a party to the U.S.-Iran memorandum, while a senior Israeli official said Israel expects to retain its freedom to act against threats, Reuters reported.
Trump has described the proposed deal as a barrier to Iran obtaining a nuclear weapon and said no money would change hands under the agreement.
The full terms remain unsettled. The proposed memorandum would reopen the Strait of Hormuz and begin a 60-day period of talks over Iran’s nuclear program, though U.S. and Iranian officials still dispute key details, Reuters reported.
