Smoke billows over Nabatieh, southern Lebanon, following Israeli airstrikes on the 19th (local time). [AFP Yonhap News]

The military clashes between the Israeli military and Lebanon's pro-Iranian armed group Hezbollah have intensified again, putting a brake on the follow-up negotiations for a ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran.

Notably, this time, the Hezbollah attacks have resulted in a significant number of casualties among the Israeli forces stationed in southern Lebanon, leading to expectations of a large-scale retaliatory attack by Israel.

The Israeli military announced on the 19th (local time) that one tank battalion commander and three soldiers were killed overnight by Hezbollah attacks in southern Lebanon.

The fallen commander was Lieutenant Colonel Dor Gedaliah ben Shimhon, commander of the 52nd Battalion of the 401st Armored Brigade, and the three crew members who were on the same tank with him.

The Israeli military stated, "It is understood that an estimated projectile, presumed to be a drone or anti-tank missile from Hezbollah, directly hit Lt. Col. ben Shimhon's tank in the village of Kfar Tebnith in southern Lebanon."

Israeli officer Dor Gedaliah ben Shimhon, who died in a Hezbollah attack. [IDF Provided]

Furthermore, the Israeli military announced that a few hours later, in the same village, one reserve officer from an elite unit was seriously injured and four other reserve soldiers, including a non-commissioned officer and privates, sustained minor injuries due to a suicide drone attack by Hezbollah.

The Israeli military also stated that it carried out intense bombardment on approximately 80 Hezbollah targets in southern and eastern Lebanon from the previous night until this morning, just one day after the memorandum of understanding (MOU) for a ceasefire was signed between the United States and Iran.

The military authorities added that Hezbollah command centers, rocket launchers, and other infrastructure were primary targets, and that dozens of Hezbollah operatives were eliminated through the airstrikes.

According to the Lebanese Ministry of Health, at least 18 people have been killed and 33 injured by Israeli airstrikes targeting 11 small cities.

The Lebanese Ministry of Health also projected that the death toll is likely to rise, as the airstrikes have disrupted rescue efforts by authorities and made it difficult for residents to attempt to flee.

The Israeli military explained that their airstrikes were a response to repeated ceasefire violations by Hezbollah, which is supported by Iran.

Given the significant casualties on the Israeli side due to Hezbollah's attacks, the possibility of large-scale retaliatory strikes by the Israeli military has increased, and consequently, the ceasefire agreement and subsequent negotiations between the United States and Iran are being affected.

The military conflict between Israel and Hezbollah is the biggest risk factor that could negatively impact the progress of the ceasefire agreement and follow-up negotiations between the United States and Iran.

Iran is insisting on the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon, citing the "guarantee of Lebanon's territorial integrity and sovereignty" clause in the MOU, and argues that Israel's refusal to withdraw constitutes nullification of the MOU.

On the other hand, Israel maintains its position of maintaining forces and continuing operations in southern Lebanon until the security threat posed by Hezbollah is completely eliminated.

In fact, amid the military conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, the first working-level talks between the United States and Iran, which were scheduled to be held in Switzerland today, were ultimately canceled.

Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the Iranian parliamentary speaker and chief negotiator, warned that negotiations with the United States would only take place within the red lines set by the Iranian government.

Hassan Fadlallah, a Hezbollah member of parliament, told Reuters that "Iran has informed us of its position that it cannot continue dialogue with the United States without the implementation of a comprehensive ceasefire."

Israel also remains unyielding.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated in a Hebrew statement, "In response to Hezbollah's criminal attack that violated the ceasefire, I have ordered a strong blow against Hezbollah," and warned, "Israel will never tolerate attacks on our soldiers or territory, and Hezbollah will pay a heavy price."

Prime Minister Netanyahu further reaffirmed his existing position, stating, "Israel will continue to remain in the security zone in southern Lebanon for as long as necessary to protect the residents of the northern region."

Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israel's National Security Minister and a prominent far-right figure within the ruling coalition, stated immediately after the announcement of the death of Israeli soldiers due to Hezbollah's attack, "We apologize to the United States, but Israel must make it clear to the world that the blood shed by our soldiers and the security of our people can never be a bargaining chip," adding, "The entire of Lebanon must burn."