Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon resulted in the deaths of at least 11 individuals on Saturday, marking some of the most lethal attacks since a fragile ceasefire agreement was established between Israel and Hezbollah in June.
According to Lebanon’s Health Ministry and state news agency, one airstrike targeted a residence on the outskirts of Ansar village, claiming the lives of seven people, including three children, and injuring two others. The second strike, which hit Deir al-Zahrani village, resulted in four fatalities and 17 injuries.
In June, Israel and the Lebanese government reached a “framework agreement” outlining the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon in exchange for the disarmament of Hezbollah, an Iran-backed militant group. The agreement also laid out steps toward a potential peace deal between the two nations, which have technically been in a state of war for almost 80 years.
Hezbollah, however, rejected direct negotiations and was not part of the agreement.
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam condemned the Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon, stating that they instill fear among residents and hinder efforts to stabilize the region. He emphasized that the victims of the airstrikes were not military targets and called for Israel to cease its escalation, asserting that the security and rights of the Lebanese people should not be subject to negotiation.
President Joseph Aoun expressed that the airstrikes send a clear message regarding ongoing negotiations and American efforts to implement the agreement.
Israeli military strikes early on Saturday targeted the strategic Ali Taher hill, overlooking parts of Nabatiyeh city, despite the ceasefire. The military stated that the strikes aimed at Hezbollah infrastructure in response to alleged actions against Israeli personnel, emphasizing their commitment to protecting civilians and removing threats.
Hezbollah urged the Lebanese government to address the Israeli aggression and criticized pursuing talks with Israel under U.S. sponsorship, accusing the U.S. of complicity in Israeli actions. The group warned that Israel’s aggression will be met with a suitable response.
Earlier this month, two Israeli soldiers were killed in southern Lebanon, the first Israeli casualties since the ceasefire. Lebanon and Israel have engaged in seven rounds of talks, with Hezbollah resisting disarmament and accusing the Lebanese government of conceding too much without ensuring an Israeli withdrawal.
The latest conflict between Israel and Hezbollah began in March, resulting in over 4,000 deaths from Israeli strikes in Lebanon, including numerous civilians. Israel also reported casualties on its side, with around 40 soldiers and three civilians losing their lives.