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 between Israel and Hezbollah came into effect in June.
The Lebanese Health Ministry and state news agency confirmed 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 between Israel and the Lebanese government on June 26. This pact outlined a plan for Israeli troops to withdraw from southern Lebanon in return for the disarming of Hezbollah, a militant group backed by Iran. The agreement also outlined steps towards a potential peace deal between the two nations, which technically remain in a state of war almost 80 years after Israel’s establishment.
Hezbollah, however, declined direct negotiations and was not part of the agreement.
Israeli Prime Minister Nawaf Salam condemned the airstrikes in southern Lebanon, stating that they instill fear among residents in their homes and hinder efforts to establish stability in the region. Salam emphasized that civilian casualties in Ansar were not military targets, and it is the responsibility of the Lebanese government to address any military infrastructure within the country.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun expressed that the airstrikes send a message against ongoing negotiations and American initiatives aimed at implementing the agreement.
Israeli airstrikes early on Saturday targeted the strategic Ali Taher hill, overlooking parts of Nabatiyeh city and its main access roads. Despite the truce, Israel’s military has continued frequent attacks in the region, located north of the Litani River, an unofficial boundary in Lebanon with significant areas under Israeli military control.
The Israeli military defended its actions, stating that strikes were carried out on Hezbollah infrastructure in response to alleged attacks on Israeli soldiers. The military vowed to protect Israeli civilians and soldiers from harm and reiterated its commitment to neutralizing threats posed by Hezbollah.
Hezbollah called on the Lebanese government to deter the aggression rather than pursuing U.S.-mediated talks with Israel, accusing the U.S. of complicity in Israeli actions. The group warned Israel against further aggression and violations, asserting that such actions would be met with a suitable response.
Earlier this month, two Israeli soldiers lost their lives in an explosion in southern Lebanon, marking the first Israeli fatalities post-truce. Hezbollah refrained from commenting on the incident.
Lebanon and Israel have engaged in seven rounds of discussions, with the most recent meeting held in Rome. Hezbollah, supported by Iran, has rejected disarmament and criticized the Lebanese government for conceding too much without ensuring Israeli withdrawal.
The latest conflict between Israel and Hezbollah commenced on March 2, following rocket attacks by Hezbollah in response to U.S. and Israeli offensives on Iran. Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon have resulted in over 4,000 casualties, including numerous civilians, while Israel reported the deaths of around 40 soldiers and three civilians.