Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon killed 11 people on Saturday, marking the deadliest escalation since a truce began nearly two months ago.
Key facts
- •The 11 fatalities included three children and two women in the village of Ansar.
- •The Israeli military stated the strikes were retaliation for Hezbollah attacks on soldiers near the Ali Taher ridge.
- •Hezbollah warned against continuing U.S.-sponsored direct negotiations, which are scheduled for next month in Rome.
- •The strikes occurred within a 10-kilometer security zone where Israeli forces are currently operating.
- •Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam publicly called on Israel to halt the escalation.
Israeli airstrikes hit southern Lebanon on Saturday, resulting in the deaths of at least 11 people and injuring 17 others. The military action, which targeted the villages of Ansar and Deir al-Zahrani, was described by the Israeli military as a retaliatory measure following an attack by Hezbollah on Israeli forces. The strikes represent the most significant escalation in hostilities since a truce was established in June.
By the numbers
Casualties and Damage in Southern Lebanon
According to the Lebanese Health Ministry, a dawn strike in the village of Ansar destroyed a house, killing seven people, including three children and two women. A separate strike in the village of Deir al-Zahrani resulted in four additional deaths and 17 injuries, including one child and 11 women. The Lebanese state news agency, NNA, also reported strikes targeting the strategic Ali Taher hill, which overlooks the city of Nabatiyeh and surrounding transport routes.
Military Justification and Political Reaction
The Israeli military stated it targeted Hezbollah infrastructure in response to militia actions against Israeli troops within a 10-kilometer security zone inside Lebanon. Hezbollah characterized the strikes as a violation of existing agreements and vowed an 'appropriate' response. The group also urged Lebanese authorities to cease direct negotiations with Israel, labeling the U.S.-sponsored diplomatic process as 'humiliating.' Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam condemned the strikes, while President Joseph Aoun described the escalation as a message regarding the ongoing U.S.-led peace efforts.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Deutsche Welle, Daily Sabah.
