Israeli tank fire struck six areas in southern Lebanon on Thursday, hours after the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) accused Hezbollah of breaching a newly brokered cease-fire. The truce, mediated by the US and France, had taken effect Wednesday, aiming to end 14 months of hostilities between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah group.

President Biden’s announcement Tuesday of a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon marked a significant foreign policy achievement weeks before he leaves office. The halt in fighting provides desperately needed calm for Israeli and Lebanese civilians along the border — and a chance to return to abandoned communities — after nearly 14 months