BEIRUT (AP) — Israeli airstrikes carried out on southern Lebanon on Saturday resulted in the deaths of nine individuals, including three members of the Lebanese military. This information was confirmed by the Lebanese army and state media, just days after the two sides had come to a new ceasefire agreement.
One of the airstrikes targeted the road connecting the city of Nabatiyeh to the town of Marjayoun in the morning, resulting in the deaths of a brigadier general, a captain, and another soldier, although their names have not been disclosed yet. Additionally, another airstrike struck the southern village of Saksakiyah, leading to the fatalities of six people and injuries to four others, as reported by the state-run National News Agency.
The Lebanese army expressed that “the continued, deliberate, and repeated Israeli aggression against Lebanon, its people, and its army only strengthens our resolve, faith, and determination.” The army also stated that Israel's actions aim to undermine efforts to achieve a solution that would restore stability, establish a comprehensive ceasefire, and facilitate the Israeli withdrawal from occupied Lebanese territories.
There was no immediate response from the Israeli military regarding the airstrike that resulted in the deaths of the troops. The most recent ceasefire was the result of U.S.-brokered negotiations between Israel and the Lebanese government, which has accused Hezbollah of dragging the country into conflict and has made attempts to disarm the group prior to the latest wave of violence. Hezbollah, however, has not accepted the truce.
The airstrikes occurred one day after Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister criticized Iran for opposing the latest ceasefire agreement between the Lebanese government and Israel. They asserted that Lebanon should not be utilized by Tehran as a “bargaining chip” in its dealings with Washington.
In response, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi took to X to address President Aoun's comments, remarking that it would seem as if Iran were the one occupying a significant portion of Lebanon, displacing many Lebanese, and bombarding the nation daily. Araghchi stated, “Had Lebanon been a bargaining chip for Iran, we’d have a deal long ago. Save Lebanon from your real foe, Mr. President,” referring to Israel.
The conflict commenced on March 2, following Hezbollah's rocket fire into northern Israel, just two days after Israeli and U.S. military operations against Iran began. Since the onset of the war, Israel has initiated a ground invasion of Lebanon, executing extensive attacks that have displaced over 1 million individuals. Current reports indicate that Israeli troops have captured around a fifth of Lebanon, advancing further into the country’s southern regions than at any time since the end of Israel's 1982-2000 occupation.
As of now, more than 3,500 individuals have lost their lives in Lebanon due to the ongoing conflict, while at least 29 Israeli soldiers and three civilians have also been reported killed in the fighting.
