New Ceasefire Falters Within A Day As Israeli Strikes Kill 8 In Lebanon, Hezbollah Attacks Continue

Last Updated:June 05, 2026, 01:30 IST

A Hezbollah missile attack claimed the life of an Israeli soldier in southern Lebanon.

A newly announced ceasefire framework between Israel and Lebanon appeared on the verge of collapse within a day of its unveiling, as fresh Israeli airstrikes killed eight people in Lebanon and a Hezbollah missile attack claimed the life of an Israeli soldier on Thursday.

The escalation came less than 24 hours after Lebanese and Israeli representatives, who met in Washington, agreed to a ceasefire roadmap aimed at ending months of cross-border fighting. However, the deal was swiftly rejected by Hezbollah, which insisted on a complete Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory and an unconditional ceasefire.

Eight Killed In Israeli Airstrikes Across Lebanon

According to Lebanon’s health ministry, an Israeli strike in the country’s eastern region killed five people, while another attack near the southern city of Tyre left three more dead.

The attacks also wounded eight civilians, including three children and two women.

Israeli forces have continued military operations in Lebanon despite the diplomatic push for a ceasefire, arguing that military pressure is necessary to dismantle Hezbollah’s infrastructure in the south.

First Israeli Soldier Killed Since Ceasefire Announcement

The Israeli military confirmed that Captain Eitan Shmuel Lemberg, 21, was killed during combat operations in southern Lebanon.

In a brief statement, the military said the officer “fell in combat". An Israeli military source later told AFP that Lemberg was killed when a Hezbollah-fired missile struck an Israeli tank.

The death marked the first Israeli military fatality since the latest ceasefire proposal was announced, underscoring the fragility of the truce effort.

Hezbollah Chief Rejects Deal, Demands Full Israeli Withdrawal

Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem has rejected the ceasefire framework negotiated by Lebanese and Israeli envoys in Washington.

Calling the negotiations a “farce" and an act of “humiliation", Qassem demanded a comprehensive ceasefire that would not allow Israel to continue military operations inside Lebanon. “The ceasefire must be comprehensive, without the Israeli enemy having the freedom to kill," he said.

Qassem also urged the Lebanese government to abandon direct talks with Israel and reiterated Hezbollah’s position that any settlement must include a complete Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory.

The Hezbollah leader warned that attacks on northern Israel would continue as long as Lebanese villages remained under bombardment.

Israel Signals Military Operations Will Continue

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz also cast doubt on the prospects of an immediate de-escalation. Katz said the Israeli military would continue both aerial and ground operations in Lebanon, arguing that Hezbollah’s military infrastructure must be dismantled before any lasting peace can be achieved.

“At this stage, the army will continue its fire and ground operations while continuing to dismantle terrorist infrastructure," he said.

The minister added that conditions were not yet suitable for the return of residents displaced from northern Israel by the conflict.

Lebanese Army To Deploy In ‘Pilot Zones’

Despite Hezbollah’s rejection of the agreement, the Lebanese government indicated it would move forward with parts of the Washington understanding.

Prime Minister Nawaf Salam announced that the Lebanese Armed Forces would begin deploying in designated “pilot zones" across southern Lebanon as a first step toward implementing the ceasefire arrangement.

“The next step is practical and tangible: the deployment of the Lebanese army in pilot zones as a first phase," Salam said following a cabinet meeting.

He stressed that the move would not compromise Lebanon’s demand for a complete Israeli withdrawal but could help create conditions for a broader settlement.

What Are The Pilot Zones?

Under the framework agreed in Washington, specific areas in southern Lebanon would be placed under the exclusive control of the Lebanese army, excluding all non-state armed groups.

The proposal is intended to reduce the risk of direct clashes between Israeli forces and Hezbollah fighters while creating conditions for a wider ceasefire.

However, Hezbollah’s outright rejection of the arrangement raises significant doubts about whether the plan can be implemented on the ground.

Fragile Peace Effort Faces Major Test

The latest ceasefire initiative was widely seen as the most significant diplomatic effort in months to end the Israel-Hezbollah conflict, one of the most volatile flashpoints in the wider Middle East war.

Iran had earlier indicated that any broader peace agreement with the United States must address the situation in Lebanon, including an end to Israeli military operations there.

However, with fresh casualties reported on both sides, Hezbollah rejecting the ceasefire framework, and Israel insisting it will continue military operations, hopes for a lasting truce remain uncertain.

About the Author

Saurabh VermaSenior Sub-editor

Saurabh Verma covers general, national and international day-to-day news for News18.com as a Chief Sub-editor. He keenly observes politics. You can follow him on Twitter --twitter.com/saurabhkverma19

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