The recent attacks are seen as part of Israel’s strategy to force Hezbollah and Lebanon to agree to a ceasefire, and an indication that it is prepared to expand its offensive by killing non-military members of the group and striking places outside areas where the movement has a strong presence, possibly to stir anti-Hezbollah sentiment.

US special envoy Amos Hochstein arrived in the Lebanese capital on Tuesday for talks with officials on a truce plan, which Lebanon has largely endorsed, to halt the Israel-Hezbollah war.The United States and France have spearheaded efforts for a ceasefire in the war,

Escalating violence from Israel and Hezbollah may be just a death rattle before the two sides reach a cease-fire, but any misstep could impede a diplomatic solution.