‘Destruction is the goal’: Israel steers between the US, Iran, and Lebanon

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces political backlash and US criticism following Israeli attacks on Lebanon that defy a US-Iran peace agreement. The agreement, which includes a reconstruction plan for Iran and a commitment to terminate military operations on all fronts, including Lebanon, was accepted by the US without apparent Israeli input. In response to the deal, Israel pounded Lebanon, killing at least 47 people, while Hezbollah killed four Israeli soldiers. US Vice President JD Vance directly addressed Israeli critics, emphasizing the US's crucial support and cautioning against alienating allies. The situation places Netanyahu in a difficult position between appeasing the Israeli public and political establishment, who largely reject the deal, and maintaining the critical diplomatic and financial support of the US.

Lebanon reported that Israeli strikes killed 18 people, while Israel stated that four of its soldiers were killed by Hezbollah. This escalation occurred a day after the US and Iran signed a deal to end their conflict, which includes fighting in Lebanon. Lebanon became involved in the war after Hezbollah launched rockets into Israel in response to a strike that killed Iran's supreme leader, prompting Israel to launch a bombing campaign and invade southern Lebanon. The conflict has resulted in at least 3,783 deaths and 11,699 wounded in Lebanon. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces domestic pressure to continue military operations, potentially conflicting with US President Donald Trump's criticism of Israel's actions. Following the soldiers' deaths, Israel's National Security Minister called for retaliation against Lebanon. The French Foreign Minister urged Israel to respect the US-Iran agreement and called for US pressure on the Israeli government.

Colombian voters face a stark choice in the upcoming election, with a surge in rebel attacks overshadowing President Gustavo Petro's "total peace" initiative. While the 2016 peace deal with the FARC reduced violence, its incomplete implementation led to dissident groups and other factions continuing the conflict. Petro's plan to negotiate with all armed groups has faltered, as evidenced by recent deadly attacks, including a bombing that killed 21 civilians. The election presents a clear divide: Petro's successor candidate supports continuing "total peace," while right-wing contenders promise to abandon the plan and revert to a more aggressive military strategy. The escalating violence and the future of peace negotiations are now central to the electoral debate.