Israeli Airstrikes in Southern Lebanon Escalate Conflict

BEIRUT — On Saturday, Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon resulted in the death of nine people, including three Lebanese military personnel, as reported by the Lebanese army and state media. This incident occurred shortly after a new ceasefire agreement was made between the two sides.

One airstrike targeted a vehicle on a road connecting Nabatiyeh to Marjayoun. It led to the deaths of a brigadier general, a captain, and another soldier. The army has yet to release their identities.

Another airstrike struck the southern village of Saksakiyah, causing six fatalities and injuring four individuals, according to the state-run National News Agency.

The Lebanese army stated, “The continued, deliberate, and repeated Israeli aggression against Lebanon, its people, and its army only strengthens our resolve, faith, and determination.”

The statement from the army suggests that these attacks seek to undermine efforts to restore stability and secure a comprehensive ceasefire, leading to Israeli withdrawal from occupied Lebanese territories.

The Israeli military acknowledged targeting a vehicle and stated that the incident is under review. They described the vehicle as “moving suspiciously” towards Israeli soldiers near Kfar Tibnit after receiving indications that Hezbollah planned to direct fire at Israeli forces from the area. The military emphasized that their operations target Hezbollah, not the Lebanese army.

Lebanon’s President, Joseph Aoun, condemned the strike as “a flagrant violation of Lebanese sovereignty and international law.” He highlighted the escalating situation’s threat to stability and security in southern Lebanon. Despite efforts in Washington negotiations to halt Israeli attacks, the violence persists.

The latest ceasefire, brokered by U.S. negotiations, faced criticism from Hezbollah, who refused to accept the truce. Aoun and Lebanon’s Prime Minister criticized Iran for opposing the agreement, asserting that Lebanon should not serve as a “bargaining chip” in Iran’s negotiations with Washington.

In response, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi remarked on X, “One would think it’s Iran that has occupied a fifth of Lebanon, displaced a quarter of Lebanese, and is bombing his country daily.” He contested Aoun’s statements, noting Israel as the true adversary.

The conflict initiated on March 2, when Hezbollah launched rockets into northern Israel following attacks by Israel and the U.S. on Iran. Since then, Israel has invaded Lebanon, displacing over 1 million people. Israeli forces have captured about one-fifth of Lebanon, extending deeper into the south than at any moment since the conclusion of Israel’s 1982-2000 occupation. The war has led to more than 3,500 Lebanese fatalities. Furthermore, 29 Israeli soldiers and three civilians have died during the ongoing hostilities.