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 the fragile truce between Israel and Hezbollah was established in June. The strikes targeted a residence on the outskirts of Ansar village, claiming the lives of seven people, including three children, and injuring two others. Additionally, an airstrike on 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 troops to withdraw from southern Lebanon in return for the disarmament of Hezbollah, a militant group backed by Iran. The agreement also includes provisions for progress toward a potential peace deal between the two countries, which technically remain in a state of war nearly eight decades after Israel’s founding. However, Hezbollah, which did not participate in the agreement, has rejected direct negotiations.
Israeli Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has condemned the airstrikes in southern Lebanon, stating that they instill fear among residents and hinder efforts to establish stability in the region. Salam emphasized that the victims of the airstrikes were not military targets and underscored the responsibility of the Lebanese government to address any military infrastructure within the country. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun characterized the strikes as a direct challenge to ongoing negotiation efforts and U.S.-led initiatives aimed at implementing the agreement.
The Israeli military conducted intense airstrikes on the strategic Ali Taher hill early Saturday, overlooking parts of Nabatiyeh city, despite the existing truce. The military stated that the strikes targeted Hezbollah infrastructure in response to alleged actions against Israeli soldiers in the area. Hezbollah has yet to respond to inquiries regarding potential attacks on Israeli forces in southern Lebanon.
Hezbollah has urged the Lebanese government to halt the aggression rather than pursuing direct talks with Israel, alleging that such talks would benefit the enemy. The group accused the U.S. of complicity in Israeli actions and warned that any further aggression would be met with a robust response. Earlier this month, two Israeli soldiers were killed in an explosion in southern Lebanon, marking the first Israeli casualties since the truce was established. Lebanon and Israel have engaged in seven rounds of talks, with Hezbollah refusing to disarm and criticizing the Lebanese government for concessions made without ensuring an Israeli withdrawal.
The latest conflict between Israel and Hezbollah erupted in March, with over 4,000 individuals losing their lives due to Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon, including numerous civilians. On the Israeli side, around 40 soldiers and three civilians, including a military contractor, have been killed in the hostilities.