Israel's Lebanon Attacks Threaten US-Iran Ceasefire

Hours after the US and Iran announced a ceasefire, Israel launched a series of airstrikes on Lebanon, killing hundreds and injuring thousands. The attacks have been widely condemned, with many questioning whether Israel's actions were intended to undermine the ceasefire.

The bone of contention lies in whether or not Israel's strikes on Lebanon were included in the ceasefire agreement. Pakistan, which brokered the deal, said they were, while Israel claimed they were not.

The US has sided with Israel, with President Donald Trump calling the violence in Lebanon 'a separate skirmish'. However, this stance has been met with criticism from many, including Iran, which has reimposed its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz in response to the attacks.

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has faced intense political pressure since the US and Iran signed the ceasefire, which had little or no active involvement from Israel. Netanyahu's war aims have not been achieved, angering those who supported the war.

Under the terms of the truce, a 10-point peace plan put forward by Iran has been accepted as a starting point for negotiations. However, Israel's attacks on Lebanon have raised concerns about the viability of the ceasefire and the potential for further escalation in the region.

Some analysts have accused Israel of trying to prolong the broader war against Iran and collapse any ceasefire prospects. 'Israeli officials will no doubt claim that this was a super sophisticated operation against necessary security targets', but others see it as an attempt to 'act as provocateurs-in-chief'.

The attacks have also sparked criticism within Israel, with opposition leaders Yair Lapid and Yair Golan condemning Netanyahu's actions and accusing him of lying about the war aims and outcomes.