Israeli Airstrikes in Lebanon Cause Casualties Amid Tensions
Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon on Saturday resulted in nine fatalities, including three Lebanese military personnel, according to reports from the Lebanese army and state media. The incident follows a recently established ceasefire agreement.
An attack on a vehicle traveling between Nabatiyeh and Marjayoun claimed the lives of a brigadier general, a captain, and another soldier, as reported by the Lebanese army. These individuals have not been named. Additionally, a strike in the village of Saksakiyah resulted in six deaths and four injuries, confirmed by 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,”
stated the Lebanese army. They condemned the attacks as attempts to disrupt efforts to restore stability and enforce a comprehensive ceasefire, aiming for Israeli withdrawal from occupied territories.
The Israeli military confirmed striking the vehicle, acknowledging it was moving suspiciously towards troops near Kfar Tibnit after receiving evidence of potential Hezbollah attacks from the area. The military noted operations targeted Hezbollah, not the Lebanese army.
Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun denounced the strike, labeling it a violation of Lebanese sovereignty and international law. He criticized the escalation for compromising southern Lebanon’s stability despite ongoing negotiations aimed at curbing Israeli aggression.
The U.S.-brokered ceasefire involved discussions between Israel and Lebanon’s government, which has accused Hezbollah of instigating conflict and sought to disarm the group before hostilities. Hezbollah rejected the ceasefire.
On Friday, tensions rose as Aoun and Lebanon’s Prime Minister criticized Iranian standpoints against the ceasefire. They argued Lebanon should not be manipulated by Tehran as a “bargaining chip” in its dealings with Washington. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi countered via a social media platform, challenging Aoun’s portrayal of Iran’s role in Lebanon’s plight.
“Had Lebanon been a bargaining chip for Iran, we’d have a deal long ago. Save Lebanon from your real foe, Mr. President,”
he remarked, referencing Israel.
The conflict began March 2 following Hezbollah’s rocket fire into northern Israel. This was a response to simultaneous Israeli and U.S. strikes on Iran, triggering a broader conflict. Israel’s subsequent military offensive has displaced over a million Lebanese people and gained control of a sizable portion of the country.
The ongoing battle has resulted in over 3,500 Lebanese deaths, alongside the loss of 29 Israeli soldiers and three civilians.