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 fragile truce between Israel and Hezbollah was established in June. Reports from Lebanon’s Health Ministry and state news agency indicated that one airstrike, targeting a dwelling on the outskirts of Ansar village, claimed seven lives, including three children, and injured two others. Another strike in Deir al-Zahrani village caused four fatalities and 17 injuries.
Initiated on June 26, a “framework agreement” between Israel and the Lebanese government outlined a plan for Israeli troops to retreat from southern Lebanon in exchange for Hezbollah’s disarmament, an Iran-backed militant group. The agreement also outlined steps toward a potential peace treaty between the two nations, which technically remain in a state of war despite Israel’s establishment nearly eight decades ago. However, Hezbollah declined direct negotiations and was not party to the agreement.
Israeli Prime Minister Nawaf Salam criticized the airstrikes, stating that they instilled fear among residents and hindered efforts to stabilize the region. Salam emphasized that the casualties in Ansar were not related to military targets and stressed the Lebanese state’s responsibility to address any military infrastructure within the country. President Joseph Aoun expressed concern that the strikes sent a negative message to ongoing negotiations and American-led initiatives to implement the agreement.
The deadliest attacks since the truce came into effect occurred on Saturday, following previous incidents on July 6 and June 19 that resulted in casualties. Despite the ceasefire, Israel’s military continued frequent strikes in the region, targeting Hezbollah infrastructure in response to alleged actions against Israeli forces. Hezbollah called on the Lebanese government to halt what they viewed as aggressive actions and warned against pursuing talks with Israel, accusing the U.S. of complicity in Israeli actions.
In a separate development, two Israeli soldiers lost their lives in a recent explosion in southern Lebanon, marking the first Israeli fatalities since the truce. Lebanon and Israel have engaged in seven rounds of discussions, with the latest held in Rome. However, Hezbollah, supported by Iran, has resisted disarmament and criticized the Lebanese government for perceived concessions without ensuring an Israeli withdrawal.
The latest conflict between Israel and Hezbollah erupted in March, with Hezbollah launching rockets across the border in response to U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran. Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon have claimed over 4,000 lives, including hundreds of civilians, while Israel reported around 40 military casualties and three civilian deaths, including a military contractor.