Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon resulted in the deaths of at least 11 individuals on Saturday, marking some of the most devastating attacks since a delicate truce between Israel and Hezbollah was initiated in June. Lebanon’s Health Ministry and state news agency reported that one airstrike on a residence in Ansar claimed the lives of seven people, including three children, and injured two others. Another strike in Deir al-Zahrani led to four fatalities and 17 injuries.
The agreement between Israel and the Lebanese government, established on June 26, outlined a plan for Israeli troops to retreat from southern Lebanon in return for Hezbollah’s disarmament. Despite envisioning progress towards a potential peace deal, the two nations technically remain in a state of war even after nearly 80 years since Israel’s formation. Notably, Hezbollah, an Iran-backed militant group, declined direct negotiations and was not involved in the agreement.
Israeli Prime Minister Nawaf Salam condemned the airstrikes in southern Lebanon, emphasizing that they instilled fear among residents and hindered efforts to stabilize the region. Salam stressed that the casualties were not associated with military targets and underscored the Lebanese government’s responsibility to address any military infrastructure within the country. He urged Israel to cease the escalation, highlighting the non-negotiable right of Lebanese citizens to security and life within their territory.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun expressed that the airstrikes sent a clear message opposing negotiation efforts and American initiatives aimed at implementing the agreement. The Lebanese state must address the aggression rather than pursuing talks with Israel, as stated by Hezbollah, which accused the U.S. of collaborating with Israel in its actions. Hezbollah vowed to respond appropriately to Israeli aggression and violations, asserting that imposition of unilateral actions would not be tolerated.
Recent intense Israeli airstrikes targeted the strategic Ali Taher hill, impacting the southern city of Nabatiyeh and surrounding routes. Despite the truce, Israel’s military continued its regular assaults on the area, north of the Litani River, which has been a de facto boundary in Lebanon. The Israeli military justified the strikes as a response to threats from Hezbollah, affirming its commitment to protecting Israeli civilians and soldiers.
Hezbollah refrained from immediate comments on potential attacks against Israeli forces in southern Lebanon. Notably, two Israeli soldiers were recently killed in an explosion in the region, the first Israeli casualties since the truce began. Hezbollah’s refusal to disarm and concerns over the Lebanese government’s concessions without ensuring Israeli withdrawal have complicated negotiations between Lebanon and Israel. The ongoing conflict has resulted in thousands of casualties, including civilians, underscoring the volatile situation in the region.