Israeli strikes kill 11 in Lebanon, Hezbollah vows response

At least 11 people, including women and children, were killed and 12 others seriously injured in Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon on Saturday, according to reports.

The strikes hit a house on the outskirts of the southern city of Ansar and a building in the Deir al-Zahrani area, as Israel continued its military operations in southern Lebanon.

Hezbollah condemned the attacks, accusing Israel of targeting civilians and threatening to respond to what it described as continued violations of Lebanon’s sovereignty.

Israeli authorities said the strikes were carried out in response to a Hezbollah attack that seriously injured three Israeli soldiers. They said a Hezbollah headquarters was targeted, while acknowledging that family members of a Hezbollah fighter were present at the site.

Further Israeli airstrikes were reported in the Nabatieh area on Sunday. Verified footage showed explosions, smoke and flames between Ali al-Taher Heights and Dabsha, while attacks were also reported around Kafr Reman.

Hezbollah accused Israel of escalating the conflict for political reasons, including to strengthen Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s domestic position.

However, Israeli Prime Minister’s Office spokesman Doron Spielman told AFP that the attacks could create an opportunity to restart negotiations with Lebanon.

In June, Lebanon and Israel reached a US-brokered framework agreement under which the Lebanese army would restore state authority across the country and Hezbollah would be disarmed, followed by a gradual Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory.

Hezbollah has rejected the agreement, saying it would undermine Lebanese sovereignty.

SKS