Tensions escalate as tit-for-tat strikes strain a U.S.-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.

On Monday, Israeli airstrikes killed nine in southern Lebanon after Hezbollah fired rockets at Israeli-occupied Shebaa Farms, citing Israeli truce violations.

Israel’s Defense Minister, Yoav Katz, warned Tuesday that Lebanon could face direct retaliation if the ceasefire collapses, ending the separation between Lebanon and Hezbollah in Israeli responses.

Since the truce began, Israeli airstrikes have reportedly violated the agreement over 100 times, according to UNIFIL, drawing criticism from the U.S. and France.

Israeli officials argue these actions enforce the truce, but Hezbollah accuses Israel of targeting civilians and violating Lebanese airspace.

The ceasefire, intended to last 60 days, requires Hezbollah’s withdrawal from the border and increased Lebanese supervision to prevent regrouping, CNN has reported.

However, continued hostilities cast doubt on its longevity.

Written by B.C. Begley