Israel Launches Large-Scale Airstrikes on Lebanon... At Least 18 Dead

Reported by Lebanon's state news agency NNA

Speculation grows over Vance's sudden cancellation of Switzerland trip

"Israel's attack on Lebanon" suspected as the reason

As the United States and Iran attempt to accelerate the coordination of details for a ceasefire agreement, Israel has launched large-scale airstrikes on Lebanon. As a result, the schedule for related follow-up negotiations has also become uncertain.

On the 19th (local time), smoke is rising near Beaufort Castle in southern Lebanon after an airstrike by Israel. Photo by AP Yonhap News

According to Lebanon's state news agency NNA on the 19th (local time), at least 18 people were killed and dozens injured in Lebanon due to Israel's large-scale airstrikes. This airstrike took place just two days after Iran and the United States signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to end the war.

According to the NNA, overnight airstrikes targeted densely populated areas in the Nabatieh region of southern Lebanon. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) also acknowledged the attack, stating that it had struck Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon in response to the "repeated" ceasefire violations by the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah.

It is believed that Israel's airstrike on Lebanon was a key reason behind Vice President Vance's sudden cancellation of his trip to Switzerland, where he was expected to begin working-level negotiations with Iran as early as the 19th.

The White House cited "logistical and practical issues" as the official reason for the vice president's delayed schedule. However, there is speculation that the Iranian negotiating team may have raised concerns about Israel's attack on Lebanon. The U.S. online media outlet Axios reported that, according to an anonymous U.S. official, "Tehran’s claim that Israel violated the ceasefire agreement in Lebanon may be the reason the talks did not take place."

The United States and Iran included in the agreement a clause to end fighting on all fronts, including the front between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon. However, Israel has continued to show its intent not to stop attacks on Hezbollah, even after both countries agreed to extend the ceasefire by 60 days.

CNN pointed out that the latest airstrike occurred just hours after Vice President Vance publicly criticized Israeli government officials who had denounced President Donald Trump's agreement. During a White House briefing, Vice President Vance targeted Israeli officials who criticized the MOU, stating, "Trump is currently the only world leader who is friendly to Israel." He added, "Israel’s problem is not President Trump, and Israelis who believe the American president is their biggest problem need to face the reality their country is facing."

On this day, the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs issued a statement saying, "We are prepared to support such talks," confirming that the U.S.-Iran talks had been postponed. However, no specific details were given regarding the future timetable. The Trump administration also stated that the related schedule remains uncertain.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.