Lebanese Deputy Parliament Speaker Elias Bousaab accused Israel of using its bombardment to pressure Beirut into accepting a ceasefire deal that grants Israel the right to unilaterally strike Lebanon if it perceives a violation of the agreement.

“We are close to the hour that is decisive regarding reaching a ceasefire,” Bousaab said, expressing cautious optimism but warning of unpredictability when dealing with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Lebanon has reportedly insisted on French participation in a ceasefire oversight committee, which Israel has reluctantly accepted following international pressure.

Civilian toll mounts in Southern Lebanon
 

The Lebanese Health Ministry reported 12 fatalities from Israeli strikes on two locations in the southern Tyre district.

Six were killed on a road near Tyre, and six more died in Maarakeh, where another airstrike left four injured.

Israeli airstrikes also targeted villages across Nabatieh governorate, including Deir al-Zahrani, where one person was killed.

Fifteen houses were destroyed in Yammer al-Shaqif alone. Meanwhile, fierce clashes continued near Khiam, with Israeli Merkava tanks attempting to advance but facing resistance from Hezbollah fighters, who reportedly destroyed two tanks.

In Tyre’s Ain Baal area, eight people were injured in an airstrike, with one in critical condition.

Additional strikes hit residential areas near the Islamic University in Tyre and destroyed two homes in Burj Rahhal, leaving surrounding buildings heavily damaged.

Israeli warplanes also carried out multiple airstrikes in Baalbek, targeting the Amashki area, Al-Assira neighbourhood, and Ras Al-Ain hills.

A separate Israeli strike in Hermel killed one person and left several injured.

Israeli forces also struck Al-Labweh in northern Bekaa, adding to the mounting destruction across the region.

Clashes and airstrikes reach Beirut
 

In Beirut’s southern suburbs, Israeli airstrikes targeted buildings in Haret Hreik and Masharrafieh, near Jana Laboratories.

Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee issued evacuation warnings to residents of Ghobeiry, Hadath, and Burj al-Barajneh, threatening further strikes.

Hezbollah responds with rocket barrages
 

Hezbollah claimed responsibility for multiple rocket attacks on Israeli military positions.

The group stated that it targeted Israeli troops in the settlements of Avivim and Meron, as well as the Shraga base near Acre, home to the Golani Brigade’s administrative headquarters.

The Israeli military reported intercepting some of the 20 rockets fired from Lebanon towards the Upper and Western Galilee areas.

However, several rockets impacted Israeli territory, wounding two Israelis in Nahariya and Nazareth.

Ceasefire negotiations face obstacles
 

The US-mediated ceasefire talks include provisions for the withdrawal of Hezbollah and Israeli forces from southern Lebanon, with Lebanese troops and UN peacekeepers patrolling the region.

However, Israel’s demand for operational freedom to strike Hezbollah unilaterally if ceasefire terms are violated remains a contentious issue.

Bousaab confirmed that this demand was not part of the emerging agreement but warned that Israeli pressure tactics could jeopardize progress.

“We are optimistic, and there is hope, but nothing is guaranteed with a person like Netanyahu,” he said.

The situation remains volatile as Lebanon navigates a challenging diplomatic landscape amid relentless Israeli military action and mounting casualties.