Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon resulted in the deaths of at least 11 individuals on Saturday, marking some of the most lethal attacks since the fragile truce between Israel and Hezbollah was established in June. Lebanon’s Health Ministry and state news agency reported that one airstrike, targeting a residence on the outskirts of the Ansar village, claimed seven lives, including three children, and injured two others. The second strike, which hit the village of Deir al-Zahrani, resulted in four fatalities and 17 injuries.
A “framework agreement” was announced by Israel and the Lebanese government on June 26, outlining a plan for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon in exchange for the disarmament of the Iran-backed Hezbollah group. Despite efforts towards a potential peace agreement between the two nations, which have technically been in a state of war for almost 80 years, Hezbollah, having declined direct negotiations, was not involved in the agreement.
Israeli Prime Minister expressed concern that the recent airstrikes undermine stability efforts in the region. These strikes are the deadliest since the truce began two months ago, with a prior incident on July 6 resulting in the deaths of four individuals in Nabatiyeh Fawqa. Preceding the truce, Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon on June 19 led to the loss of 83 lives and left 141 wounded, as reported by the Health Ministry.
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam condemned the Israeli airstrikes, emphasizing that the victims were not military targets and urged Israel to cease the escalation. Salam stressed that the Lebanese government is responsible for handling any military infrastructure within the country. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun viewed the strikes as a hindrance to ongoing negotiation efforts and American initiatives aimed at implementing the agreement.
Despite the truce, intense Israeli airstrikes on Saturday targeted the strategic Ali Taher hill, overlooking parts of Nabatiyeh, and main access roads. The Israeli military stated that the strikes aimed at Hezbollah infrastructure in response to actions against Israeli soldiers in the area, emphasizing their commitment to protecting civilians and soldiers from harm. Hezbollah’s stance on the situation urged the Lebanese state to address the aggression rather than pursuing talks with Israel, alleging U.S. involvement in Israeli actions.
In a separate incident earlier this month, two Israeli soldiers lost their lives in a southern Lebanon explosion, marking the first Israeli casualties since the truce. The ongoing conflict has seen Lebanon and Israel engage in seven rounds of talks, with Hezbollah refusing to disarm and criticizing the Lebanese government for concessions without ensuring an Israeli withdrawal.
The latest Israel-Hezbollah conflict began on March 2, triggered by Hezbollah rocket attacks following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran. The toll from Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon has surpassed 4,000 casualties, including numerous civilians, while Israel has reported around 40 military and civilian deaths.