Israeli airstrikes killed at least one person in southern Lebanon overnight, according to state media, a day after Lebanon and Israel signed a new framework agreement.

The strikes mark a dangerous escalation in the volatile border region, immediately threatening to unravel the nascent diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalating long-standing tensions. Rescuers were working through Saturday morning to search for further casualties and assess damage.

The Israeli military has not yet commented on the operation, but Lebanese state media reported that several targets were hit across multiple locations in the south. Early assessments suggest the attacks involved both aerial bombardment and artillery fire directed at suspected militant positions.

Residences Hit Amid Overnight Explosions

Residents in Tyre and Nabatiyeh reported hearing loud explosions throughout the night, with some areas experiencing power outages. Footage shared on social media, which could not be immediately verified, showed smoke rising from several sites near the Blue Line, the de facto border.

Hezbollah, the powerful Shi'ite militant group that controls much of southern Lebanon, swiftly condemned the Israeli actions and the recently signed framework agreement. A spokesperson for Hezbollah called the deal a "betrayal of Lebanese sovereignty" and pledged a "firm response" to the overnight attacks.

Diplomatic Breakthrough Under Threat

The strikes come just hours after representatives from Beirut and Jerusalem concluded talks, brokered by international mediators, to establish a preliminary framework for maritime and land border demarcation. The agreement, intended to pave the way for future comprehensive peace talks, was signed on Friday.

Relations between Israel and Lebanon remain officially hostile, with no diplomatic ties. The two nations fought a major conflict in 2006, and skirmishes along the border have been frequent. The recent diplomatic breakthrough had offered a rare glimpse of potential de-escalation in the deeply entrenched regional conflict.

Israeli military border patrol

Analysts warn that Hezbollah's strong reaction, coupled with Israel's military operation, could plunge the delicate peace efforts into disarray. Regional powers are closely watching the situation, with calls for restraint expected from Washington and European capitals in the coming hours.