Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon resulted in the deaths of at least 11 individuals on Saturday, marking some of the most severe attacks since the delicate 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 seven lives, including three children, and injuring two others. The second strike, on Deir al-Zahrani village, resulted in four fatalities and 17 wounded individuals.
An agreement known as 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, a militant group supported by Iran. The agreement also included steps toward a potential peace deal between the two nations, which have technically been in a state of war for almost 80 years following Israel’s establishment.
Hezbollah, however, has declined direct negotiations and was not involved in the agreement.
Israeli Prime Minister Nawaf Salam condemned the Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon, asserting that they instill fear among residents and hinder efforts to stabilize the region. Salam emphasized that the individuals affected by the airstrikes were not military targets and stressed that addressing military infrastructure within the country is the responsibility of the Lebanese government.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun expressed that the strikes send a clear message regarding ongoing negotiation efforts and American initiatives aimed at implementing the agreement.
Israeli military actions have resulted in more than 4,000 casualties in the region so far, with intense airstrikes targeting the strategic Ali Taher hill early Saturday. The Israeli military stated that the strikes were in response to actions against Israeli soldiers in the area and reiterated its commitment to protecting Israeli civilians and soldiers by neutralizing threats.
Hezbollah called on the Lebanese government to halt the aggression and criticized pursuing direct talks with Israel, accusing the U.S. of complicity in Israeli actions. The group warned Israel that its aggressive behavior will be met with appropriate responses.
Two Israeli soldiers were killed in an explosion in southern Lebanon earlier this month, marking the first Israeli fatalities since the truce. Despite holding talks, Hezbollah remains adamant in its refusal to disarm, alleging that the Lebanese government has made excessive concessions without ensuring Israeli withdrawal.
