BEIRUT/JERUSALEM - One person was killed and a Lebanese journalist was wounded on Monday in separate Israeli attacks in southern Lebanon, despite a newly finalized Iran-US memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at reducing regional tensions.

According to Lebanon's National News Agency (NNA), a shell exploded near journalist Hadi Abdel Moneim Hoteit in the town of in the town of Kfar Tebnit, causing shrapnel injuries to his foot. He was transferred to the Popular Relief Hospital in Nabatieh, where he underwent surgery.

NNA also reported that an Israeli drone struck a vehicle at the Kfar Tebnit roundabout, killing the driver.

The incidents came shortly after the announcement of the Iran-US MoU, which includes provisions for the immediate and permanent cessation of military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun welcomed the agreement, expressing the hope that it could help end military escalation in the region.

Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri also praised the memorandum, stressing it includes a provision calling for an end to Israeli attacks on Lebanon.

Iran and the United States finalized the MoU on Sunday, aiming to end conflict on all fronts, including Lebanon. However, Israel has shown no sign so far of halting its offensive against Hezbollah.

Further negotiations between Washington and Tehran over the Iran nuclear issue and the removal of US sanctions are expected to begin after the signing of the MoU in Geneva on Friday.

Hezbollah says attacks Israeli force in S. Lebanon

Meanwhile, Hezbollah announced that it had targeted an Israeli army force advancing in a border area in southern Lebanon, saying the operation forced the unit to retreat.

In a statement issued by its military media, the group said its members spotted at 6:15 pm local time an Israeli force consisting of a military bulldozer and two Merkava tanks advancing on the outskirts of the southern Lebanese town of Kfar Tebnit.

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It said its members confronted the force using guided missiles and suicide drones, adding that the operation compelled the Israeli unit to withdraw from the area and was carried out in response to what it described as Israeli violations of the ceasefire.

Israeli military to stay in ‘security zones’ in Lebanon, Gaza, Syria

In Jerusalem, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday said in a press conference that the Israeli military will remain in the "security zones" it controlled in Lebanon, Syria and the Gaza Strip as long as necessary.

Netanyahu listed Israel's alleged achievements in confronting Iran, claiming it has removed imminent nuclear threat and the missiles' threat, adding that "with or without a deal, Iran will not have nuclear weapons."

He claimed that Iran is in a very difficult economic situation, saying, "We hit all possible infrastructure and the damage is enormous."

Netanyahu again rejected speculations that he would not take part in the general elections scheduled for October, saying he would run.

Hezbollah welcomes Iran-US MoU

Also on Monday, Hezbollah welcomed the MoU reached between Iran and the United States, saying the agreement led to a comprehensive ceasefire across all fronts, including Lebanon.

The group also urged displaced residents to wait for official guidance before returning to their towns and villages, noting that it would not accept any future attacks on Lebanon.

In a statement, the group congratulated Iran on what it described as a "major achievement," attributing the outcome to Iran's resilience, sacrifices and adherence to national policies aimed at preserving its sovereignty and independence.

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Hezbollah praised Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, as well as Iran's president, government and armed forces, expressing gratitude for what it called Iran's steadfast support for Lebanon. The group said Tehran had insisted on including Lebanon in any agreement that would end the war and safeguard the country's rights.

The group also said there could be no return to the situation that existed before March 2, stressing that the resistance would continue to defend Lebanon's sovereignty and would not accept any future attacks on the country.

Separately, Lebanon's Public Health Emergency Operations Center said the cumulative toll from Israeli attacks since March 2, 2024, has reached 3,798 killed and 11,781 wounded as of June 15, 2026.