Did Israel attack Lebanon to spoil Iran war ceasefire as soon as it began?

Israel claims attacks on densely populated residential areas that killed more than 200 people were aimed at Hezbollah members

Middle East crisis – live updates

What was the point of Israel’s surprise mass strikes on Lebanon that killed more than 200 people and drew widespread international condemnation?

Prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other officials have claimed the largest strike against Hezbollah during the month-long war against Iran was carefully aimed at members of the armed group, but the attacks appeared to be as much a piece of violent spectacle to benefit Netanyahu as militarily useful.