BEIRUT — Israeli airstrikes on southern Lebanon resulted in nine fatalities, including three Lebanese military members, reported the Lebanese army and state media. The attacks occurred just days after a new ceasefire agreement was reached between the two sides.
Details of the Airstrikes
A targeted strike on a vehicle traveling between Nabatiyeh and Marjayoun resulted in the deaths of a brigadier general, a captain, and another soldier. The names were not immediately disclosed by the army.
Another strike in the southern village of Saksakiyah claimed six additional lives and injured four others, according to the National News Agency.
The continued, deliberate, and repeated Israeli aggression against Lebanon, its people and its army only strengthens our resolve, faith and determination,
the army’s statement read. It emphasized that Israel’s aim is to derail efforts to stabilize the region and withdraw from occupied territories.
Israeli Military’s Response
The Israeli military confirmed the strike on a vehicle, noting it was under review. They reported the vehicle was approaching Israeli soldiers near Kfar Tibnit suspiciously, based on reliable intelligence about a potential Hezbollah attack.
Israel stated its operations target Hezbollah, not the Lebanese army.
Political Reactions and Ceasefire Efforts
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned the strike as a blatant breach of sovereignty and international law. Aoun highlighted the escalating conflict’s threat to southern Lebanon’s security, despite efforts in U.S.-led negotiations to end the attacks without achieving deterrence.
The ceasefire, orchestrated through U.S.-backed discussions, has faced resistance from Hezbollah, which refuses to honor it. Lebanon’s government accuses Hezbollah of instigating war and had aimed to disarm the group before recent tensions escalated.
International Tensions
Both President Aoun and Lebanon’s Prime Minister called out Iran for rejecting the ceasefire deal between Lebanon and Israel. They urged that Lebanon should not serve as a bargaining tool in Tehran’s negotiations with Washington.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi dismissed the accusations via social media, suggesting Israel is the real adversary. He argued that if Lebanon were a bargaining chip for Iran, a resolution would have been achieved much earlier.
Background of the Conflict
The conflict traces back to March 2, when Hezbollah launched rockets into northern Israel, preceding Israeli and U.S. assaults on Iran. Subsequently, Israel invaded Lebanon and conducted extensive operations, leading to the displacement of over 1 million people.
Israeli forces currently control approximately one-fifth of Lebanon’s territory, surpassing their previous occupation reach during 1982-2000. The conflict has resulted in over 3,500 deaths in Lebanon, alongside 29 Israeli soldiers and three civilian casualties.
Leave a Reply