Israel strikes Lebanon as diplomats try to prevent regional war

Israeli jets struck southern Lebanon overnight as diplomats worked frantically to prevent a regional war after a rocket strike that killed 12 young people in the occupied Golan Heights.

Hezbollah has denied responsibility for the strike, claiming that a projectile from Israel’s Iron Dome defence system had hit the town, countering a volley of rocket fire the group said had targeted Israeli military sites.

In an apparent initial retaliation for the attack, Israel conducted a series of airstrikes on towns in southern Lebanon overnight on Saturday, as well as one close to the Bekaa valley.

The Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, is due to convene his security cabinet on Sunday afternoon. The outcome of the meeting is expected to be decisive, as diplomats scramble to prevent any further escalation in fighting that they fear could spiral into a regional war.