The Israel-Hezbollah conflict has entered another deadly phase after a Hezbollah attack in southern Lebanon killed an elite Israeli soldier and wounded 13 others during an overnight military operation. The Israel Defense Forces identified the fallen commando as Sgt. First Class Nir Ben Ari of the elite Maglan Unit. According to the IDF, the troops were operating near the Ali Taher Ridge, targeting a major underground Hezbollah facility believed to house dozens of operatives, when they came under a coordinated rocket barrage and explosive drone attack before dawn. The assault left one soldier dead, two troops in serious condition, and 11 others wounded. The incident comes just a day after another deadly strike in the same area reportedly killed four Israeli soldiers. Israeli investigators now believe that attack was caused by either an anti-tank guided missile or a drone rather than an internal tank malfunction. WATCH

A new diplomatic rift has emerged between Washington and Israel after US Vice President JD Vance strongly defended the Trump administration's temporary peace agreement with Iran while criticizing Israeli leaders for their reaction. Speaking at a White House briefing, Vance dismissed what he described as the "freakout" in Israel over the US-Iran memorandum. He argued that President Donald Trump remains Israel's strongest international ally and urged critics to "smell the reality" and recognize America's continued commitment to Israeli security. Vance also said that anyone in Israel who believes the US president is their biggest problem "needs to wake up," adding that the criticism stems from mistrust rather than the substance of the agreement. He maintained that the United States has earned the region's trust through its diplomatic efforts. Meanwhile, Israeli officials have continued to express concerns that the US-Iran memorandum does not sufficiently address Tehran's nuclear programme or long-term regional security issues. WATCH