Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon 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.
Reports from Lebanon’s Health Ministry and state news agency indicated that one airstrike on a residence at the outskirts of the village of Ansar led to the deaths of seven people, including three children, and injured two others. Another airstrike on the village of Deir al-Zahrani claimed four lives and left 17 wounded.
The Israeli government and Lebanese authorities reached a “framework agreement” on June 26, outlining a plan for Israeli troops to withdraw from southern Lebanon in exchange for the disarmament of Hezbollah, a militant group backed by Iran. The agreement also envisions progress towards a future peace deal between the two nations, which technically remain in a state of war almost 80 years after the establishment of Israel.
Hezbollah, however, rejected direct negotiations and was not a party to the agreement.
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam condemned the Israeli airstrikes, stating that they instill fear among residents and hinder efforts to stabilize the situation in the region. He emphasized that the victims of the airstrikes were not military targets and stressed that addressing military infrastructure in the country is the responsibility of the Lebanese government.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun expressed concerns that the airstrikes send a negative message to ongoing negotiations and American-led efforts aimed at implementing the truce agreement.
Israeli forces conducted intense airstrikes on the strategic Ali Taher hill early Saturday, overlooking parts of Nabatiyeh, despite the ceasefire. The Israeli military responded by stating that the strikes targeted Hezbollah infrastructure in retaliation to actions against Israeli soldiers in the area, emphasizing their commitment to protecting civilians and soldiers.
Hezbollah called on 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. The group warned that Israel’s aggressive acts will be met with a suitable response.
Recent tensions escalated when two Israeli soldiers lost their lives in an explosion in southern Lebanon, marking the first Israeli casualties since the truce. Ongoing discussions between Lebanon and Israel have yet to produce significant progress, with Hezbollah refusing to disarm and criticizing the Lebanese government for conceding without ensuring an Israeli withdrawal.