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 ceasefire agreement was established between Israel and Hezbollah in June. The strikes targeted a residence in the village of Ansar, claiming seven lives, including three children, and injuring two others. Another strike in Deir al-Zahrani led to four fatalities and 17 injuries.
On June 26, Israel and the Lebanese government reached a “framework agreement” for Israeli troops to withdraw from southern Lebanon in exchange for Hezbollah’s disarmament. Despite this, Hezbollah, backed by Iran, has not participated in the deal, refusing direct negotiations.
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam condemned the Israeli airstrikes, emphasizing that the victims were civilians and not military targets. He stressed that it is the responsibility of the Lebanese state to address any military presence in the country. President Joseph Aoun viewed the strikes as a hindrance to ongoing negotiations and American-led efforts to implement the agreement.
Israeli military operations targeting Hezbollah infrastructure near Nabatiyeh and Ansar were in response to alleged actions against Israeli forces. Hezbollah has not confirmed any attacks on Israeli troops in southern Lebanon. The group urged the Lebanese government to address the aggression rather than pursuing talks with Israel, accusing the U.S. of complicity in Israeli actions.
Earlier this month, two Israeli soldiers died in an explosion in southern Lebanon, marking the first Israeli casualties since the ceasefire. Hezbollah has continuously resisted disarmament, claiming the Lebanese government has made excessive concessions without ensuring an Israeli withdrawal.
The recent conflict between Israel and Hezbollah began in March, with over 4,000 individuals killed by Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon, including numerous civilians. On the Israeli side, around 40 soldiers and three civilians, including a military contractor, lost their lives.
