Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon resulted in the deaths of at least 11 individuals on Saturday, marking some of the most severe attacks since the delicate truce between Israel and Hezbollah was established in June.
Reports from Lebanon’s Health Ministry and state news agency indicated that one airstrike targeted a residence on the outskirts of Ansar village, claiming the lives of seven individuals, including three children, and injuring two others. Another strike in Deir al-Zahrani village left four dead and 17 wounded.
An agreement known as the “framework agreement” was reached between Israel and the Lebanese government on June 26. The agreement outlined plans for Israeli troops to withdraw from southern Lebanon in exchange for Hezbollah’s disarmament. It also outlined steps toward a potential peace treaty between the two nations, which have technically been in a state of war for nearly 80 years since Israel’s establishment. However, Hezbollah, an Iran-backed militant group, has rejected direct negotiations and was not part of the agreement.
Israeli Prime Minister condemned the airstrikes, stating that they disrupt efforts to maintain stability in the region. The recent strikes are the deadliest since the truce came into effect two months ago, following a previous incident on July 6 where four individuals lost their lives in Nabatiyeh Fawqa.
Lebanese Prime Minister criticized Israel for targeting civilian infrastructure and emphasized the Lebanese government’s responsibility to address any military assets within the country. He urged Israel to cease the escalation and emphasized that the security and rights of Lebanese citizens are non-negotiable.
The Israeli military conducted intense airstrikes on the strategic Ali Taher hill early Saturday, overlooking parts of Nabatiyeh city. Despite the truce, Israel has continued its frequent attacks in the area, north of the Litani River, a de facto boundary in Lebanon controlled by the Israeli military.
Hezbollah called on the Lebanese government to halt the aggression and avoid pursuing U.S.-sponsored talks with Israel, accusing the U.S. of complicity in Israeli actions. The group warned Israel that its aggressive actions would be met with appropriate responses.
Two Israeli soldiers were killed in a recent explosion in southern Lebanon, marking the first Israeli casualties since the truce. Lebanon and Israel have engaged in seven rounds of talks, with Hezbollah resisting disarmament and criticizing the Lebanese government’s concessions without ensuring an Israeli withdrawal.
The latest conflict between Israel and Hezbollah began in March, with Hezbollah launching rockets across the border following attacks on Iran by the U.S. and Israel. The Israeli strikes in Lebanon have claimed over 4,000 lives, including numerous civilians, while about 40 soldiers and three civilians have been killed on the Israeli side.