Israeli strikes intensify in southern Lebanon in the lead-up to anticipated US-Iran deal

(14 Jun 2026) RESTRICTION SUMMARY: ASSOCIATED PRESS Nabatiyeh, Lebanon - 14 June 2026 1. Various of heavy artillery shelling on Ali Taher hills overlooking the southern city of Nabatiyeh, smoke rising 2. Various of flare bombs fired over the Ali Taher hills 3. Various of smoke rising due to shelling on Nabatiyeh al-Fawqa village near the city of Nabatiyeh STORYLINE: Israeli strikes intensified in southern Lebanon on Sunday in the lead-up to the anticipated US-Iran deal. Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency reported that Israeli warplanes and drones carried out a series of airstrikes across the Nabatiyeh district of southern Lebanon on Sunday, killing at least four people and causing widespread destruction. The agency added that airstrikes also targeted the villages of Nabatiyeh al-Fawqa, Kfar Tebnit, Choukine, Meifadoun and Al-Midan neighborhood of Nabatiyeh city. The city of Nabatiyeh was also subjected to intermittent artillery shelling during the morning, the agency reported. Video footage showed heavy shelling and flare rounds fired over the Ali Taher hills, which overlook several villages in the Nabatiyeh district. The footage also showed artillery shelling on Nabatiyeh al-Fawqa village. On Saturday, the Lebanese Army withdrew its troops from a base in a southern Lebanese village after Israeli troops advanced in an area nearby, a military official said. Israel's military appears to be trying to make as many gains as possible in case a U.S.-Iran agreement is reached to end the war in the region, which is likely to include Lebanon. A senior Lebanese military official told The Associated Press that the Lebanese army moved its forces from the Kfar Tebnit barracks following an incursion by Israeli forces into the area. The official, who did not elaborate, spoke on condition of anonymity in line with regulations. Israeli troops were likely trying to capture the strategic Ali Taher hill on the edge of Kfar Tebnit that overlooks large parts of Nabatiyeh and some of the roads that link the city with nearby villages. Israeli troops held the Ali Taher hill for 18 years until they withdrew from Lebanon in May 2000. In late May, Israeli troops captured a nearby strategic mountain topped with the Crusader-built Beaufort Castle in the deepest incursion into the country since 2000. Attacks by Israel and Hezbollah have continued despite a ceasefire that went into effect on April 17 and was renewed several times but remains a ceasefire in name only. Israel continues to occupy large swaths of southern Lebanon while battling Hezbollah fighters, causing civilian casualties and damage to infrastructure. Hezbollah, which is not part of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon, has launched frequent rocket and drone attacks. The latest Israel-Hezbollah war began on March 2, when Hezbollah fired rockets into northern Israel two days after the U.S. and Israel began their attacks on Iran. More than 3,700 people have been killed in Lebanon in the latest fighting, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry. Also, 30 Israeli soldiers and a defense contractor have been killed in or near southern Lebanon, and two civilians have been killed in northern Israel, according to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office. =========================================================== Clients are reminded to adhere to all listed restrictions and to check the terms of their licence agreements. For further assistance, please contact the AP Archive on: Tel +44(0)2074827482 Email: [email protected]. Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork Twitter:   / ap_archive   Facebook:   / aparchives   ​​ Instagram:   / apnews   You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/you...