Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon resulted in the deaths of at least 11 individuals on Saturday, marking some of the most severe 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 targeted a residence on the outskirts of Ansar village, claiming the lives of seven people, including three children, and injuring two others. Another strike in Deir al-Zahrani village resulted in four fatalities and 17 injuries.
An agreement termed as a “framework agreement” was reached by Israel and the Lebanese government on June 26. This agreement outlined a plan for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon in return for the disarmament of Hezbollah, a militant group backed by Iran. It also outlined steps toward a potential peace agreement between the two nations, which technically remain in a state of war despite nearly 80 years having passed since the establishment of Israel. Notably, Hezbollah has declined direct negotiations and was not a participant in the agreement.
Israeli Prime Minister Nawaf Salam condemned the airstrikes in southern Lebanon, emphasizing that they instill fear among residents and hinder efforts to stabilize the region. He stressed that the victims of the Ansar airstrike were not military targets and called for Israel to cease its escalation. 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 struck the strategic Ali Taher hill early Saturday, overlooking portions of Nabatiyeh city and its main access routes. The Israeli military stated that the strikes targeted Hezbollah infrastructure in response to an action against Israeli troops in the area, vowing to safeguard Israeli civilians and soldiers from harm. Hezbollah, in response, urged the Lebanese government to halt the aggression and criticized pursuing talks with Israel under U.S. sponsorship, asserting that such talks benefit the enemy despite ongoing hostilities.
Notably, the latest Israel-Hezbollah conflict commenced on March 2, triggered by Hezbollah’s rocket launches following attacks on Iran by the U.S. and Israel. The toll from Israeli strikes in Lebanon has surpassed 4,000 casualties, with numerous civilian fatalities. On the Israeli side, around 40 soldiers and three civilians, including a military contractor, have lost their lives in the conflict.