Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon resulted in the deaths of at least nine individuals on Saturday, marking some of the most lethal attacks since the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah was established in June. According to Lebanon’s Health Ministry and state news agency, one airstrike targeted a residence on the outskirts of Ansar village, claiming seven lives, including three children, and injuring two others. Another strike in Deir al-Zahrani village resulted in two fatalities and nine injuries.
The “framework agreement” announced by Israel and the Lebanese government on June 26 outlined a plan for Israeli forces to retreat from southern Lebanon in exchange for Hezbollah’s disarmament. This agreement also included steps towards a potential peace deal between the two nations, which technically remain in a state of war almost 80 years after Israel’s inception. However, Hezbollah, backed by Iran, declined direct negotiations and was not part of the agreement.
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam condemned Israel’s airstrikes in southern Lebanon, stating that they instill fear among residents and hinder efforts to stabilize the region. Salam emphasized that the casualties from the airstrikes were not military targets and stressed that addressing any military infrastructure within Lebanon is the responsibility of the Lebanese state. He called on Israel to cease the escalation, asserting that the security and right to life of the Lebanese people on their land are non-negotiable.
Despite the ceasefire, intense Israeli airstrikes on Saturday targeted the strategic Ali Taher hill overlooking parts of Nabatiyeh city in southern Lebanon. The Israeli military reported striking Hezbollah infrastructure in response to alleged actions against Israeli soldiers in the area, reiterating its commitment to safeguard Israeli civilians and soldiers. Hezbollah has not yet commented on any potential attacks on Israeli forces in southern Lebanon.
Earlier this month, two Israeli soldiers were killed in an explosion in southern Lebanon, the first Israeli casualties since the ceasefire. Lebanon and Israel have engaged in seven rounds of talks, with the most recent occurring in Rome. Hezbollah, supported by Iran, has resisted disarmament and accused the Lebanese government of conceding too much without securing an Israeli withdrawal.
The recent conflict between Israel and Hezbollah arose on March 2, following Hezbollah’s rocket attacks across the border days after the U.S. and Israel initiated strikes on Iran. Over 4,000 individuals have perished in Lebanese territories due to Israeli airstrikes, including numerous civilians. On the Israeli side, around 40 soldiers and three civilians, including a military contractor, have lost their lives in the conflict.