Israel launches new strikes on Lebanon, breaching ceasefire agreement; nine fatalities reported.

Two villages in southern Lebanon were attacked on Monday

Israel launched another attack on Lebanon less than a week after the ceasefire agreement was signed, resulting in the deaths of at least nine people in two southern villages on Monday evening, according to Lebanon's health ministry.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF), however, accused Hezbollah of initiating the breach by attacking an Israeli army post. In response, the IDF stated they carried out counter-attacks targeting Hezbollah infrastructure, asserting these actions were necessary to uphold the ceasefire agreement.

Hezbollah has rejected Israel's accusations, claiming that Israel was the first to breach the ceasefire agreement with its latest attack on Lebanon.

The group stated that their mortar strike on an Israeli army post was a 'defensive precaution' in response to the casualties and destruction caused by Israel's actions.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported no casualties from Hezbollah's attack on Mount Dove in Israel. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned Hezbollah's actions as a 'serious violation of the ceasefire agreement' and warned of a 'strong' response.

Hezbollah and Israel have been locked in conflict for over a year, with recent tensions escalating into direct confrontations. To address the hostilities, the two sides agreed to a ceasefire on November 27, brokered by the United States and France.

However, when the ceasefire was announced, Netanyahu warned that Israel would retaliate against any violations by Hezbollah. Monday's counter-attacks have now reignited tensions, jeopardizing the fragile truce.