Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon have resulted in the deaths of at least 11 individuals on Saturday, marking some of the most lethal attacks since a fragile truce was established between Israel and Hezbollah in June.
According to Lebanon’s Health Ministry and state news agency, one of the airstrikes targeted a residence on the outskirts of Ansar village, claiming the lives of seven individuals, including three children, and injuring two others. Another strike in Deir al-Zahrani village resulted in the deaths of four individuals and left 17 wounded.
An agreement termed a “framework agreement” was reached between Israel and the Lebanese government on June 26. This agreement outlined a plan for Israeli troops to withdraw from southern Lebanon in return for the disarmament of Hezbollah, an Iran-backed militant group. It also outlined steps towards a potential peace agreement between the two nations, which technically remain in a state of war nearly 80 years after the establishment of Israel.
Despite the truce, Hezbollah has refused to engage in direct negotiations and was not a party to the agreement.
Israeli Prime Minister Nawaf Salam condemned the airstrikes on southern Lebanon, stating that they instill fear among residents and hinder efforts to stabilize the region. Salam emphasized that the victims were not military targets and underscored the responsibility of the Lebanese state to address any military infrastructure within the country.
President Joseph Aoun of Lebanon expressed that the airstrikes serve as a clear message against ongoing negotiation efforts and American initiatives aimed at implementing the agreement.
Intense Israeli airstrikes early on Saturday targeted the strategic Ali Taher hill, overlooking parts of Nabatiyeh city in southern Lebanon. The Israeli military justified the strikes as a response to actions against Israeli soldiers in the region, emphasizing their commitment to protecting civilians and soldiers from Hezbollah threats.
Hezbollah called on the Lebanese state to halt the aggression and criticized the pursuit of U.S.-backed talks with Israel, asserting that such actions benefit the enemy despite ongoing hostilities. The group warned Israel against further aggression, stating that any such actions would be met with a strong response.
Recent conflicts have resulted in casualties on both sides, with Israeli soldiers killed in southern Lebanon and ongoing talks between Lebanon and Israel facing challenges due to Hezbollah’s refusal to disarm and concerns over Israeli withdrawal guarantees.