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 was established between Israel and Hezbollah in June. According to Lebanon’s Health Ministry and state news agency, one airstrike on a house near Ansar village claimed the lives of seven people, including three children, and injured two others. Another strike in Deir al-Zahrani village resulted in four fatalities and 17 injuries.
The agreement, termed a “framework agreement,” was reached between Israel and the Lebanese government on June 26. It outlined a plan for Israeli forces to withdraw from southern Lebanon in return for the disarmament of Hezbollah, a group backed by Iran. The agreement also outlined steps towards a potential peace treaty between the two nations, which technically remain in a state of war nearly eight decades after the establishment of Israel. However, Hezbollah, which declined direct negotiations, was not party to the agreement.
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam condemned the Israeli airstrikes, stating that they instilled fear among residents and hindered efforts to stabilize the region. Salam emphasized that the casualties, particularly the women and children, were not military targets and stressed that addressing military infrastructure was the responsibility of the Lebanese state. President Joseph Aoun remarked that the strikes conveyed a message against negotiation efforts and American initiatives aimed at implementing the agreement.
Despite the ceasefire, intense Israeli airstrikes targeted the strategic Ali Taher hill early Saturday, overlooking parts of Nabatiyeh city and key connecting roads. The Israeli military stated that the strikes were in response to actions against Israeli soldiers in the area and reiterated its commitment to protecting civilians and soldiers from Hezbollah threats. Hezbollah, in response, urged the Lebanese government to halt the aggression, cautioning against pursuing talks with Israel under U.S. sponsorship.
The recent escalation follows the deaths of two Israeli soldiers in a recent explosion in southern Lebanon, marking the first Israeli casualties since the ceasefire. While Lebanon and Israel have engaged in seven rounds of talks, Hezbollah’s refusal to disarm remains a significant point of contention, as it accuses the Lebanese government of conceding too much without assurances of an Israeli withdrawal. The latest conflict between Israel and Hezbollah began on March 2, with over 4,000 individuals losing their lives in Lebanon due to Israeli strikes, including numerous civilians. On the Israeli side, approximately 40 soldiers and three civilians have been killed.