Deadly airstrikes in Lebanon. Tension in the Middle East is rising in the shadow of the conflict with Iran

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on Saturday condemned Israeli attacks on Hezbollah targets, saying they make it difficult to stabilize the situation in the country. At least 10 people were killed and 50 injured on Friday in airstrikes in the Bekaa Valley in eastern Lebanon, Reuters reported earlier.

According to Aoun, the attacks are aimed at thwarting diplomatic efforts by Lebanon and its allies, with the support of the US, to stabilize the situation and stop Israeli hostilities, an official statement said.

On Friday, the media reported that six people were killed and 25 injured in Israeli attacks in the Bekaa Valley.

Among the dead was a high-ranking member of Hezbollah.

The Bekaa Valley is Hezbollah's traditional stronghold and logistical base. An attempt to rebuild its military potential after the losses inflicted by Israel in 2024–2025 would have to be based on the infrastructure in this region.

Also on Friday, two people died as a result of an Israeli attack on a Palestinian refugee camp in Sidon.

The attacks were among the deadliest in recent weeks and challenge the fragile US-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.

According to the provisions of the ceasefire that ended Israel's war with Hezbollah, which is supported by Iran and controls large areas of Lebanon in November 2024, Israeli forces and Hezbollah itself were to withdraw from the south of the country. The Lebanese army was to take over the fighters' weapons and installations.

Israel has repeatedly warned that the Lebanese armed forces are unable to disarm Hezbollah.

The attacks occurred at a time of heightened tension in the region. The United States has threatened to strike Iran – Hezbollah's sponsor – if negotiations on Tehran's nuclear program do not lead to an agreement.

During the Israeli-Iranian war in June 2025, Hezbollah remained passive, but many analysts estimate that in the event of another conflict with Iran, the Shiite group may join the fight. (PAP)

bye/adj/