Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon have 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 established in June.
Reports from Lebanon’s Health Ministry and state news agency indicated that one airstrike on the outskirts of Ansar village claimed the lives of seven individuals, including three children, and left two others injured. Another strike in Deir al-Zahrani village resulted in four fatalities and 17 injuries.
A “framework agreement” was announced by Israel and the Lebanese government on June 26, outlining a plan for Israeli forces to withdraw from southern Lebanon in return for Hezbollah’s disarmament. The agreement also outlined steps toward a potential peace deal between the two countries, which remain technically at war nearly 80 years after Israel’s inception. However, Hezbollah, an Iran-backed militant group, has rejected direct negotiations and was not part of the agreement.
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam condemned the Israeli airstrikes, emphasizing that the attacks jeopardize stability efforts in the region. He criticized the targeting of civilians, stressing that the Lebanese state is responsible for addressing any military threats within the country.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun expressed concern that the strikes undermine ongoing negotiation efforts and American initiatives aimed at implementing the agreement.
Israeli military actions on Saturday targeted Hezbollah infrastructure in response to alleged threats against Israeli soldiers. Despite the ceasefire, Israel has continued its airstrikes in the area, which lies north of the Litani River and serves as a de facto boundary in Lebanon.
Hezbollah called on the Lebanese government to intervene and halt the aggression, warning against pursuing talks sponsored by the U.S., whom they view as complicit in Israeli actions. The group asserted that any Israeli aggression will be met with a strong response.
Two Israeli soldiers were recently killed in southern Lebanon, the first Israeli casualties since the truce. Both Lebanon and Israel have engaged in several rounds of talks, with Hezbollah refusing to disarm and accusing the Lebanese government of making concessions without ensuring an Israeli withdrawal. The latest conflict between Israel and Hezbollah began in March and has led to over 4,000 deaths in Lebanon, including numerous civilians, as well as casualties on the Israeli side.