Israel said it struck targets in Lebanon on Monday evening after vowing to retaliate for an attack by Hezbollah on a military post, with both sides accusing each other of violating last week's ceasefire. At least nine people were killed by Israeli strikes on two southern Lebanese villages, according to the country's public health ministry.

Israel and Hezbollah exchanged air strikes and rocket fire on Monday as their 60-day ceasefire appeared to be unravelling within its first week.

Israel and Lebanon both told the White House on Monday that despite the recent flare-ups on the border they are committed to the ceasefire agreement and want it to continue, sources with knowledge of the issue said.