Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon resulted in the deaths of at least 11 individuals on Saturday, marking some of the deadliest attacks since a fragile truce between Israel and Hezbollah was established in June.
According to Lebanon’s Health Ministry and state news agency, one airstrike targeted a residence on the outskirts of Ansar village, claiming the lives of seven individuals, including three children, and injuring two others. The second airstrike in Deir al-Zahrani village killed four people and wounded 17.
In late June, Israel and the Lebanese government reached a “framework agreement” outlining Israeli forces’ withdrawal from southern Lebanon in return for Hezbollah’s disarmament. However, Hezbollah, backed by Iran, declined direct negotiations and was not part of the agreement.
Israeli Prime Minister Nawaf Salam condemned the recent airstrikes, emphasizing that they instill fear among residents and hinder stability efforts in the region. He stressed the importance of Lebanese authorities addressing any military presence within the country and called for Israel to cease its escalation, asserting the Lebanese people’s right to security and life on their land.
Additionally, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun viewed the strikes as a message against ongoing negotiation efforts and American initiatives supporting the agreement.
Israeli airstrikes also targeted the strategic Ali Taher hill early Saturday, overlooking parts of Nabatiyeh city, despite the truce. The Israeli military stated that the strikes aimed at Hezbollah infrastructure in response to threats against Israeli personnel, emphasizing their commitment to safeguard civilians and counter threats posed by Hezbollah.
Following the attacks, Hezbollah urged the Lebanese government to halt the aggression and criticized pursuing talks with Israel under U.S. sponsorship, accusing the U.S. of complicity in Israeli actions. Hezbollah reiterated its stance on responding to Israeli aggression and violations.
Earlier this month, two Israeli soldiers were killed in southern Lebanon, the first Israeli casualties post-truce. Despite multiple rounds of talks between Lebanon and Israel, Hezbollah remains armed, expressing concerns over the Lebanese government’s concessions without ensuring Israeli withdrawal.
The latest conflict between Israel and Hezbollah began in early March, with more than 4,000 casualties reported in Lebanon due to Israeli airstrikes, including numerous civilian deaths. Israel also suffered losses, with around 40 soldiers and three civilians killed during the confrontations.
