Hezbollah and Israel Exchange Fire Despite Ceasefire, Testing Truce Before Talks

On Tuesday, Hezbollah launched rockets and drones into northern Israel, alleging that Israeli forces had breached a ceasefire that commenced last Thursday. The Israeli military condemned the rocket attacks as a clear infringement of the truce and retaliated by targeting the launch site. This incident unfolded just before US-mediated discussions between the Israeli and Lebanese governments set for this week. According to the ceasefire terms, Israel retains the right to respond to any planned or ongoing assaults, with Defense Minister Israel Katz cautioning that troops would employ full force if threatened. Israeli forces are stationed 5 to 10 kilometers deep in a Lebanese border strip to establish a buffer zone against Hezbollah. Hezbollah accused Israel of striking civilians and destroying homes, asserting it aimed at an Israeli position that had been attacking southern Lebanon. The Israeli military also indicated that sirens in northern Israel were likely triggered by intercepting a drone from Lebanon. The 10-day ceasefire was facilitated by Washington.