Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon have resulted in the deaths of a minimum of 11 individuals on Saturday, marking some of the most lethal attacks since a fragile truce was established between Israel and Hezbollah in June. Lebanon’s Health Ministry and state news agency reported that one airstrike, targeting a residence on the outskirts of Ansar village, claimed the lives of seven people, including three children, and injured two others. The second airstrike, carried out in Deir al-Zahrani village, resulted in four fatalities and 17 injuries.
A “framework agreement” was reached between Israel and the Lebanese government on June 26, outlining a plan for Israeli forces to withdraw from southern Lebanon in exchange for the disarmament of Hezbollah, backed by Iran. The agreement also aims at progress towards a potential peace treaty between the two nations, which technically remain in a state of war almost 80 years after the establishment of Israel. However, Hezbollah, refusing direct negotiations, was not part of the agreement.
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam denounced the Israeli airstrikes, stating that they instill fear among residents and hinder efforts to stabilize the region. He emphasized that the victims of the Ansar airstrike were not military targets and called on Israel to cease its escalation. Salam underscored the Lebanese state’s responsibility to address any military assets within the country and affirmed that the security and rights of Lebanese citizens are non-negotiable.
President Joseph Aoun criticized the strikes, linking them to ongoing negotiation efforts and American initiatives to implement the agreement. Despite the truce, intense Israeli airstrikes targeted the strategic Ali Taher hill early Saturday, overlooking parts of Nabatiyeh city. The Israeli military justified its actions as a response to an incident involving Israeli soldiers in the area, vowing to protect civilians and personnel from Hezbollah threats.
Hezbollah, in a statement, urged the Lebanese government to halt the aggression and cautioned against engaging in talks with Israel under U.S. sponsorship, accusing the U.S. of complicity in Israeli actions. The group emphasized that Israel’s aggressive behavior will be met with a suitable response. Recent incidents, such as the deaths of two Israeli soldiers in southern Lebanon, have increased tensions between the two sides.
Lebanon and Israel have conducted multiple rounds of talks, with Hezbollah insisting on retaining its arms and expressing concerns over concessions made by the Lebanese government without guarantees of Israeli withdrawal. The latest conflict between Israel and Hezbollah began on March 2, resulting in over 4,000 deaths in Lebanon, including numerous civilians, while Israel reported casualties on its side as well.
