Israeli airstrikes struck southern Lebanon shortly after a new ceasefire agreement, killing nine individuals, among them three members of the Lebanese military, according to Lebanese sources. The attack targeted a vehicle traveling between Nabatiyeh and Marjayoun, resulting in the deaths of a brigadier general, a captain, and another soldier. Their identities were not immediately disclosed.
Another airstrike hit the village of Saksakiyah in southern Lebanon, killing six civilians and wounding four, the National News Agency reported. The Lebanese army condemned the strikes, describing Israel’s actions as deliberate aggression aimed at undermining efforts to stabilize the region and enforce the ceasefire, which includes demands for Israel’s withdrawal from occupied Lebanese territories.
The Israeli military acknowledged targeting a suspicious vehicle near the village of Kfar Tibnit, citing “concrete indications” that Hezbollah planned to launch attacks from the same area. Israel clarified that its operations focus on Hezbollah and not the Lebanese armed forces. The incident remains under review by Israeli authorities.
Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun condemned the strikes as violations of sovereignty and international law. He highlighted ongoing escalations jeopardizing southern Lebanon's security despite Lebanon’s diplomatic efforts in Washington to halt Israeli hostilities. The ceasefire, brokered by the United States, involves negotiations between the Lebanese government and Israel, but Hezbollah has refused to accept the truce.
Political tensions also deepened over Iran’s opposition to the ceasefire. President Aoun and Lebanon’s prime minister accused Iran of using Lebanon as leverage in its negotiations with Washington. In response, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi dismissed this claim, pointing to Israel as Lebanon’s true adversary, accusing it of occupation and daily attacks on Lebanese soil.
The conflict erupted in early March when Hezbollah launched rockets into northern Israel, following Israeli and US strikes against Iran. Since then, Israel has escalated its operations with substantial ground assaults and air attacks across Lebanese territory.