The clashes and further Israeli bombardment came as Lebanese and Hezbollah officials study a draft proposal presented by the U.S. earlier this week on ending the war.

Israeli ground forces reached their deepest point in Lebanon since they invaded six weeks ago before pulling back Saturday.

Lebanese state media say Israeli ground forces reached their deepest point in Lebanon since they invaded six weeks ago, before pulling back after fierce battles with Hezbollah militants

By Riham Alkousaa and Ari Rabinovitch BEIRUT/JERUSALEM (Reuters) -Diplomacy aimed at securing a ceasefire in Lebanon showed tentative signs of progress on Thursday as Israel pounded its northern neighbour including heavy airstrikes on the stronghold of armed group Hezbollah near Beirut.

Israel launched more airstrikes on Hezbollah targets Friday, completely leveling a building in Beirut. The strikes come after a top Iranian official committed to support Lebanon as the U.S. continues to push for a cease-fire deal.

Israel has stepped up strikes on the city’s southern suburbs in recent days, an area Israeli officials say hosts Hezbollah militants and infrastructure.

Lebanon is considering a U.S.-backed cease-fire plan while Israel launched new strikes in the area south of Beirut. Senior Lebanon officials are reviewing the proposal and it is based on the U.N. Security Council resolution 1701,