The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has deepened in recent days despite diplomatic efforts to move toward a temporary truce.

Both villages are in the Mount Lebanon region and outside areas where the armed group Hezbollah has a strong presence. The Israeli military said it was looking into the strikes, which came after it hit what it said were a number of Hezbollah targets in Beirut’s southern suburbs.

Hezbollah strongholds in Beirut's southern suburbs were hit by at least 12 heavy airstrikes on Tuesday, security sources and eyewitnesses said, as Israel's newly appointed defence minister rejected any talk of a possible ceasefire.