Israel Launches Strikes in Southern Lebanon Amid Ceasefire Violations
The Israeli military carried out strikes on Wednesday in southern Lebanon. This action followed what Israel described as Hezbollah’s breach of the ceasefire agreement.
Reports indicated Israeli military vehicles stationed in the village of Zawtar al-Sharqiyah. The village was occupied by Israeli forces and observed from Zawtar al-Gharbieh in Lebanon.
On Thursday, the Israeli military reported that two soldiers died in an explosion in southern Lebanon. This incident marked the first Israeli fatalities since the fragile truce began between Israel and Hezbollah in June. Four additional soldiers sustained serious injuries.
An unnamed Israeli military official confirmed that an explosion occurred at a site in Majdal Zoun. The nature of the explosive is still under investigation.
In response to Hezbollah’s actions, the Israeli army initiated strikes on Wednesday. They urged residents in Mansouri to evacuate, issuing the first such warning in weeks.
No statement was immediately available from Hezbollah regarding the escalation.
Meanwhile, Lebanese and Israeli officials convened in Rome to discuss enforcing a deal from June 26. This agreement stipulated the Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon and the transition of control to the Lebanese army in exchange for Hezbollah’s disarmament.
However, the discussions were abruptly halted due to the rise in tensions. They were scheduled to resume on Thursday.
According to Lebanon’s Health Ministry, an Israeli strike in Tebnine resulted in one casualty and twelve injuries. The state-run National News Agency reported further casualties in Burj al-Shemali, though exact numbers were unclear. Artillery also targeted Mansouri and Majdal Zoun.
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah began on March 2. This followed Hezbollah’s rocket attacks in retaliation for US and Israeli strikes on Iran. The conflict has led to over 4,000 deaths in Lebanon, including numerous civilians. On the Israeli side, around 40 soldiers and three civilians, including a military contractor, have died.
The truce set on June 20 has been mostly maintained, although Israel has continued its occupation in parts of southern Lebanon and periodic strikes.
Negotiations in Rome aimed to execute ‘pilot zones.’ These zones involve Israeli withdrawal and Lebanese army control. A pilot zone was established last month in an area not previously occupied but subjected to Israeli attacks. The Lebanese army entered Zawtar al-Gharbieh, and some civilians returned, finding substantial destruction.
A diplomat with knowledge of the negotiations noted Lebanon’s desire to establish pilot zones in Khiam or Bint Jbeil. Both areas experienced significant conflict in the recent war and are under Israeli control. US Ambassador Michel Issa highlighted the dangers of rushing the process, emphasizing the protection of civilians.