Israel Conducts Drone Strikes in Lebanon Hours After US-Iran Peace Deal Signed

Israel carried out drone strikes in southern Lebanon on Thursday, June 18, 2026, just hours after US President Donald Trump and Iranian officials signed a memorandum of understanding in France aimed at ending the war that began in late February. The attacks struck multiple locations in southern Lebanon, killing at least one person and critically wounding another in a strike on a vehicle near Kfartebnit and Arnoun, while a separate drone strike on Beit Yahoun injured two civilians, according to Lebanon's National News Agency.

The timing of the strikes undermined the significance of the newly signed peace agreement, which explicitly includes Lebanon and states that continued Israeli military operations would constitute a violation of the deal. The memorandum declares "the immediate and permanent termination of military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon," and commits the signatories to refrain from initiating war or using military force against one another. Despite these commitments, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has refused to commit to withdrawing troops from southern Lebanon, signaling his government's intention to maintain its military presence in the region.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei responded by warning that the MOU would be "nullified" if Israel did not withdraw completely from Lebanon and end its military assault. Baqaei stressed that it is the responsibility of the United States to enforce Israel's compliance with the agreement's terms. The Israeli military, meanwhile, is conducting separate negotiations with the US to secure permission to maintain troop deployments south of Lebanon's Litani River, indicating a fundamental disagreement over the agreement's implementation.

President Trump acknowledged the tension during a Wednesday press conference, describing Netanyahu as "a very good man" while noting, "We have a little dispute over Lebanon." He suggested Israel adopt a "softer touch" in its military operations. However, according to Reuters reporting, Israel's position appears firm, with senior Israeli officials stating the country would not compromise on maintaining troops in southern Lebanon. The outcome of the dispute will likely depend on whether Trump uses pressure or threats to enforce Israel's compliance with the interim peace accord.

Since military operations began on March 2, Israeli attacks on Lebanon have resulted in approximately 3,800 deaths, including hundreds of children, according to Lebanese authorities. The ongoing strikes demonstrate the significant obstacles to achieving lasting peace in the region, despite the high-level diplomatic agreement signed this week.