Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon claimed the lives of at least 11 individuals on Saturday, marking some of the deadliest assaults since the fragile truce between Israel and Hezbollah was established in June. Lebanon’s Health Ministry and state news agency reported that one airstrike hit a residence on the outskirts of Ansar village, resulting in seven fatalities, including three children, and two injuries. The second strike in Deir al-Zahrani village led to four deaths and 17 injuries.
A “framework agreement” was declared by 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, an Iran-supported militant group. This agreement also includes provisions for progressing towards a potential peace deal between the nations, which have technically been in a state of war for almost 80 years since Israel’s establishment. However, Hezbollah, rejecting direct negotiations, was not part of the agreement.
Israeli Prime Minister Nawaf Salam criticized the airstrikes, stating that they instill fear among residents and obstruct efforts to stabilize the situation in the region. He emphasized that the victims of the airstrikes were not linked to military infrastructure and stressed the Lebanese state’s responsibility to address any military assets within the country. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun expressed that the strikes send a clear message to the negotiation process and American endeavors to implement the agreement.
Over 4,000 individuals in the region have been killed by Israeli airstrikes to date. The Israeli military’s continuous attacks on the southern Lebanese area, despite the truce, have raised tensions. The military defended its strikes on Hezbollah infrastructure in response to actions against Israeli soldiers in the region, vowing to protect Israeli civilians and soldiers from harm. Hezbollah urged the Lebanese government to halt the aggression and cautioned against pursuing U.S.-mediated talks with Israel, asserting that such negotiations benefit the enemy.
The latest conflict between Israel and Hezbollah erupted in March, resulting in numerous casualties on both sides. The refusal of Hezbollah to disarm and its accusations against the Lebanese government for concessions without ensuring an Israeli withdrawal have hindered progress in the peace talks between the warring parties.