Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon resulted in the deaths of at least 11 individuals on Saturday, marking some of the most lethal attacks since the fragile truce between Israel and Hezbollah was put into effect in June. One of the airstrikes 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 in Deir al-Zahrani led to four fatalities and 17 injuries.
Israel and the Lebanese government reached a “framework agreement” on June 26, outlining a plan for Israeli troops to withdraw from southern Lebanon in exchange for Hezbollah’s disarmament. The agreement also includes provisions for progress towards a potential peace treaty between the two nations, which technically remain in a state of war nearly 80 years after Israel’s inception. However, Hezbollah, an Iran-backed militant group, declined direct negotiations and was not party to the agreement.
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam criticized the Israeli airstrikes, stating that they instill fear in residents and hinder efforts to establish stability in the region. He emphasized that the victims were not military targets and underscored the Lebanese government’s responsibility to address any military infrastructure within the country. President Joseph Aoun expressed that the airstrikes send a clear message against ongoing negotiation efforts and American initiatives aimed at implementing the agreement.
The intense Israeli airstrikes on Saturday also targeted the strategic Ali Taher hill, overlooking parts of Nabatiyeh city. Despite the ceasefire, the Israeli military has continued frequent attacks in the area, north of the Litani River, which acts as a de facto boundary in Lebanon. The Israeli military justified the strikes as a response to alleged actions by Hezbollah against Israeli forces, emphasizing their commitment to safeguarding Israeli civilians and soldiers.
Hezbollah called on the Lebanese government to halt the aggression and criticized pursuing talks with Israel, considering it as aiding the enemy despite their ongoing alleged crimes. Hezbollah warned Israel that its aggressive actions would be met with a suitable response. Earlier in the month, two Israeli soldiers were killed in an explosion in southern Lebanon, marking the first Israeli casualties since the ceasefire. Lebanon and Israel have engaged in seven rounds of talks, with Hezbollah refusing to disarm and accusing the Lebanese government of conceding too much without ensuring an Israeli withdrawal.