Israel strikes Iran after neutralizing Hezbollah as Tehran’s response falters, exposing deep regional shifts and vulnerabilities.

Israel has continued to carry out near-daily strikes in southern and eastern Lebanon since the ceasefire, which Lebanon has said are in violation of the agreement. Israeli officials say the strikes are intended to prevent Hezbollah from regrouping after a war that took out much of its senior leadership and arsenal.

France condemns Israel's most recent strikes on Hezbollah targets in Beirut and southern Lebanon, demanding an Israeli withdrawal and adherence to the November 2024 ceasefire. This is the latest criticism of Israel from France.

"Hezbollah is committed to the ceasefire agreement, even though Israel has not respected this commitment over the past period," the spokesperson said. "It continues to kill, assassinate, and attack areas, including entering border villages and remaining at the five points."

NEWS ANALYSIS. Faced with Israel, the Islamic Republic of Iran can no longer count on its allies in Lebanon, Iraq and Yemen, which have been weakened since Hamas's attack on Israel, on October 7, 2023.

Iran does not want its conflict with Israel to expand to neighbouring countries unless the situation is forced, Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said on Sunday (June 15), adding its response had been based on self-defence.

Hezbollah has long been considered Iran’s first line of defense in case of a war with Israel. But since Israel launched its massive barrage against Iran this week, the Lebanese militant group has stayed out of the fray.

Many analysts have warned about the rising potential for conflict, which could easily draw in the U.S. even if it would rather not.