Smoke rises after an Israeli strike in southern Lebanon, as seen from the Israeli side of the border in the Upper Galilee on Sunday amid a cease-fire between Israel and Hezbollah. Photo by Atef Safadi/EPA
BEIRUT, Lebanon, June 9 (UPI) -- Iran and Israel, who traded missile attacks triggered by a strike on Hezbollah's stronghold in the southern suburbs of Beirut, turned to Lebanon to test deterrence and new rules of engagement -- while seeking to take control of the tiny country's own U.S.- mediated negotiation track, according to analysts.
It was the first time that Iran stepped directly into the military conflict between Hezbollah and Israel.that broke out on Oct. 8, 2023.
Hezbollah and its supporters rejoiced when Iranian missiles fell on Israel, hours after an Israeli strike hit two apartments in Beirut's southern suburbs on Sunday, killing two people identified as Hezbollah members and wounding 20 others, including women and children.
To Hezbollah, it was proof that Iran would never abandon it and would continue to protect it in any potential deal with Washington.
