Israeli attack kills two in south Lebanon as ceasefire talks continue

An Israeli military strike in southern Lebanon killed two people on June 23, 2026, as delegations from Israel and Lebanon held a fifth round of talks in Washington to shore up a fragile ceasefire. The attack in the Nabatiye district highlights deep mistrust between the sides and the unresolved status of Israel's security zone.

The attack

Israel's military said it targeted "armed terrorists" in the Ali Taher ridge area who posed a threat to its forces Source: infobae (agencies). However, Hezbollah described the victims as civilians clearing roads and recovering bodies, calling the strike a "flagrant violation" of the March ceasefire Source: abces. The Lebanese health ministry identified the dead as Mahmoud and Ahmad Assili, while Hezbollah said one was a municipal employee Source: infobae.

Reactions and positions

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to maintain Israel's security zone in southern Lebanon "as long as necessary," while Defense Minister Israel Katz said soldiers will stay and displaced residents will not return Source: infobae. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun rejected the occupation and any foreign interference, insisting on a full Israeli withdrawal Source: abces.

Negotiations in Washington

The fifth round of US-mediated talks took place against the backdrop of broader US-Iran negotiations in Switzerland. Iran warned that attacks in Lebanon could undermine the peace process Source: abces. A joint statement from Israel's leadership stressed that the IDF would continue operating to maintain the security zone, but reports indicated some troop withdrawals Source: abces.