Israeli airstrikes targeted southern Lebanon, killing nine individuals among them three members of the Lebanese military. The attacks occurred just days after a ceasefire deal aimed at halting hostilities between Israel and Lebanon took effect.
The Lebanese army reported that an airstrike hit a critical road linking Nabatiyeh and Marjayoun early Saturday, killing a brigadier general, a captain, and another soldier. Later, a separate airstrike struck the village of Saksakiyah, killing six civilians and wounding four, according to Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency.
The Lebanese military condemned the airstrikes as deliberate and repeated acts of aggression that undermine efforts to secure stability in the region. They accused Israel of seeking to disrupt a comprehensive ceasefire and block negotiations aimed at Israeli withdrawal from occupied Lebanese territories.
No official response came immediately from Israeli military authorities regarding the strikes or the deaths of Lebanese troops. The current ceasefire was brokered by the United States following talks between the Israeli government and Lebanon’s administration, which has accused Hezbollah—a Lebanese militant group—of prolonging conflict and refusing to accept the deal. Hezbollah has also rejected the ceasefire.
Only a day before the airstrikes, Lebanon’s president and prime minister publicly criticized Iran for opposing the latest ceasefire. They warned against Lebanon being exploited as a bargaining tool in Tehran’s negotiations with Washington. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi responded sharply on social media, accusing Lebanese leaders of deflecting blame and urging them to confront what he described as the real threat—Israel.
The conflict escalated earlier this year after Hezbollah launched rockets into northern Israel, coinciding with Israeli and U.S. actions against Iran. Since then, Israel has extended its military campaign inside Lebanon, including ground operations, resulting in widespread displacement and casualties. Israeli forces have occupied significant portions of southern Lebanon, reaching depths not seen since the 1982-2000 occupation.
According to available reports, the war has killed over 3,500 people in Lebanon, while Israeli casualties include nearly 30 soldiers and several civilians. The ongoing violence continues to destabilize the region despite diplomatic attempts to establish peace.