Israel has vowed a harsher war in Lebanon if a cease-fire with Hezbollah fails, warning that it will directly target the Lebanese state and march deeper into the country, following the deadliest day since a tenuous truce was established last week. According to Lebanese authorities, Israeli attacks have killed at least 13 people since Monday, while Hezbollah has shelled an Israeli military position, adding to the pressure on the pact.

Residents of south Lebanon, who have only recently returned to their homes after 14 months of conflict, told The Independent that the midnight bombardment was “terrifying” and that they are concerned that the truce will not be maintained. Israel’s Defence Minister, Israel Katz, issued the bleakest threat to the deal yet, warning that if the truce fails, “we will act strongly” and target the state, not only Hezbollah.

“We will go deeper, and the most important thing they need to know is that the state of Lebanon will no longer be exempt,” Defence Minister Israel Katz stated during a visit to the northern border region.