Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon resulted in the deaths of at least 11 individuals on Saturday, marking some of the most severe attacks since a fragile truce was established between Israel and Hezbollah in June. Lebanon’s Health Ministry and state news agency reported that one airstrike targeted a residence on the outskirts of Ansar village, claiming seven lives, including three children, and injuring two others. The second strike, which hit Deir al-Zahrani village, resulted in the deaths of four individuals and left 17 wounded.
A “framework agreement” was reached between Israel and the Lebanese government on June 26, outlining a plan for Israeli forces to retreat from southern Lebanon in exchange for the disarmament of Hezbollah, a militant group backed by Iran. Despite envisioning progress towards a future peace deal between the two nations, which technically remain in a state of war nearly 80 years after the establishment of Israel, Hezbollah, which was not part of the agreement, rejected direct negotiations.
The latest Israeli airstrikes on southern Lebanon, as seen on Saturday, have been the deadliest since the truce came into effect two months ago. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam condemned the attacks, stating that they instill fear among residents and hinder efforts to bring stability to the region. He emphasized that the victims were not military targets and urged Israel to cease the escalation, affirming Lebanon’s commitment to safeguarding its people and land.
In response to Israeli military actions in the area, which targeted Hezbollah infrastructure, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun described the strikes as a direct message to ongoing negotiation efforts and American initiatives aimed at implementing the agreement. Despite the truce, Israel has continued its frequent airstrikes on the region, with the military asserting its resolve to eliminate threats to Israeli civilians and soldiers.
Hezbollah called on the Lebanese government to halt the aggression and avoid pursuing U.S.-sponsored talks with Israel, labeling such engagements as concessions to the enemy. The group criticized the American involvement in supporting Israeli actions and warned that further aggression from Israel would be met with a robust response. Recent incidents, such as the explosion that claimed the lives of two Israeli soldiers in southern Lebanon, have heightened tensions between the conflicting parties.
Lebanon and Israel have engaged in several rounds of discussions, with the most recent occurring in Rome. Hezbollah, backed by Iran, has been adamant about retaining its arms and has accused the Lebanese government of compromising too much without securing an Israeli withdrawal. The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has resulted in over 4,000 casualties from Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon, with hundreds of civilians among the victims. Israeli losses include around 40 soldiers and three civilians, including a military contractor, since the outbreak of the latest hostilities.