Israel continues Lebanon strikes as Trump pressures Netanyahu over conflict escalation

Israel has launched fresh airstrikes in southern Lebanon, with drone and jet attacks reported in multiple locations including Mansouri, Aaziyyeh, Nabatieh al-Fawqa, and Kfar Tebnit on Wednesday, according to Lebanon's National News Agency. The strikes injured several people and occurred despite mounting criticism from US President Donald Trump, who has called on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to exercise greater restraint in the country.

At the G7 summit in France on Tuesday, Trump stated that Netanyahu needed to "be more responsible with respect to Lebanon" and criticized Israel's prolonged conflict with Hezbollah, saying "too many people are being killed." Trump expressed frustration with a recent Israeli airstrike on Beirut, telling Netanyahu that "that was too much," while simultaneously emphasizing his historical support for Israel and suggesting no other president had done as much for the country.

The escalation comes amid a US-Iran ceasefire agreement announced Sunday night, which mediator Pakistan has confirmed includes provisions for Lebanon. Israel's military reported that five of its soldiers were injured in a Hezbollah drone attack. Netanyahu responded by stating that Israeli forces would remain in Lebanon "for as long as necessary," signaling continued military operations despite international pressure for de-escalation.

Iran's military command issued a warning on Tuesday, threatening a "harsh response" if Israel did not cease its operations in southern Lebanon. Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem characterized the US-Iran agreement as a "great victory" and called for Lebanese negotiations with Israel to focus on mutual security and Israeli troop withdrawal from Lebanese territory. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun stated his country was pursuing an "independent path" in negotiations with Israel while expressing openness to ceasefire support.

The conflict has claimed more than 3,800 lives in Lebanon since Hezbollah initiated cross-border attacks on March 2 in response to an Israeli strike that killed Iran's supreme leader. Israel has since conducted extensive bombing campaigns and occupied significant portions of southern Lebanon. The proposed US-Iran memorandum of understanding is expected to be signed Friday in Bürgenstock, Switzerland, with Trump indicating he would publicly review the agreement. Trump has claimed the deal prevents Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and would reopen the Strait of Hormuz on a toll-free basis, positioning it as superior to the 2015 JCPOA negotiated under the Obama administration.