Israel and Hezbollah exchange strikes before pulling back, jolting region amid Gaza cease-fire talks

Israel and the Hezbollah militant group launched their heaviest exchange of fire after months of strikes and counterstrikes. By mid-morning Sunday, it appeared to have ended, with both sides saying they only aimed at military targets.

Authorities in Lebanon said the Israeli strikes killed three people, while Israel said one of its soldiers was killed.

President Biden is closely monitoring the events in Israel and Lebanon. "At his direction, senior U.S. officials have been communicating continuously with their Israeli counterparts," National Security Council spokesperson Sean Savett said in a statement.