Israeli Airstrikes Hit Southern Lebanon Amid Ongoing Conflict

An Israeli airstrike in southern Lebanon on Saturday resulted in the death of nine people, including three Lebanese military personnel. This incident occurred just days after a new ceasefire agreement was reached between Israel and Lebanon, according to the Lebanese army and state media.

One airstrike targeted a vehicle on a road between the city of Nabatiyeh and the town of Marjayoun, killing a brigadier general, a captain, and another soldier. Their identities have not been disclosed yet. State-run National News Agency reported that another strike in the village of Saksakiyah resulted in six fatalities and four injuries.

The Lebanese army issued a statement condemning the attack as a repeated violation of Lebanon’s sovereignty. They accused Israel of attempting to derail efforts aimed at achieving stability and establishing a comprehensive ceasefire.

The Israeli military acknowledged the airstrikes, stating that the targeted vehicle was acting suspiciously near Israeli soldiers in Kfar Tibnit. The military claimed the strike was part of operations against Hezbollah, not the Lebanese army.

Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun described the strike as a blatant breach of Lebanese sovereignty and international law. He highlighted the ongoing negotiations to stop Israeli hostilities and accused Israel of escalating tensions despite diplomatic efforts.

The latest ceasefire was facilitated by U.S.-brokered discussions between Israel and Lebanon. The Lebanese government criticizes Hezbollah’s actions, blaming the group for dragging the country into conflict, while trying to disarm it before hostilities resumed. Hezbollah rejected the ceasefire.

President Aoun and Lebanon’s prime minister also criticized Iran, suggesting Tehran uses Lebanon as a pawn in its negotiations with Washington. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi responded on X, dismissing the claim and urging Lebanon to recognize Israel as the real enemy.

The conflict initially began on March 2, when Hezbollah launched rockets at northern Israel, following Israeli and U.S. strikes on Iran. Since then, Israel has invaded Lebanon, displacing over a million people, and capturing significant Lebanese territory. Lebanese casualties have exceeded 3,500, while Israel has lost 29 soldiers and three civilians.