Israeli airstrikes kill 9 including Lebanese army officers after ceasefire deal

Israeli Airstrikes Kill 9, Including Lebanese Army Officers, After Ceasefire Deal

Israeli airstrikes kill 9 including Lebanese - Beirut — On Saturday, Israeli air strikes in southern Lebanon claimed the lives of nine individuals, including three members of the Lebanese military, according to reports from the Lebanese army and state-run media. The attacks occurred just days after Israel and Lebanon announced a new ceasefire agreement, marking a fragile pause in the escalating conflict. The incident underscores the ongoing volatility in the region despite diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions.

The first strike targeted a vehicle traveling along a road that connects the city of Nabatiyeh to the town of Marjayoun. The Lebanese military stated that the attack killed a brigadier general, a captain, and another soldier. While the identities of the casualties were not immediately disclosed, the statement highlighted the severity of the strike. A second airstrike in the southern village of Saksakiyah resulted in six fatalities and four injuries, as reported by the National News Agency.

"The persistent, targeted Israeli attacks against Lebanon, its people, and its armed forces only fuel our determination to resist," declared the Lebanese military in its official statement. "Every act of aggression reinforces our commitment to achieving a lasting peace and securing the nation’s sovereignty."

The military emphasized that the attacks were aimed at undermining Lebanon’s progress toward a stable resolution. It argued that the strikes were intended to prevent the establishment of a comprehensive ceasefire and halt the Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territories. "These actions threaten all efforts to restore calm and ensure a meaningful end to hostilities," the statement added, reflecting the strategic significance of the incident.

The Israeli Defense Forces confirmed the attack, noting that the vehicle in question was "moving suspiciously" toward their positions near Kfar Tibnit. This prompted the military to act, as it had received "concrete evidence" that Hezbollah planned to launch fire from the same area. The statement clarified that the operation was directed against Hezbollah, not the Lebanese army, despite the presence of military personnel in the region.

Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun condemned the strike as a "clear breach of Lebanese sovereignty and international law." He criticized the timing of the attack, which he said occurred amid "heightened hostilities that jeopardize the region’s security, even as Lebanon works tirelessly in Washington to end the Israeli aggression." Aoun also expressed frustration with the lack of progress, accusing the Lebanese government of being too accommodating to Israel in the negotiations.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi responded to Aoun’s comments with a sharp retort, posting on X. "After Aoun’s remarks, one might assume it is Iran that has occupied a fifth of Lebanon, displaced a quarter of its population, and bombarded the country daily," Araghchi wrote. He framed the ceasefire deal as a tool for Lebanon to be used by Tehran against Israel, implying that the country’s leadership had prioritized regional interests over its own security.

The war, which began on March 2, erupted after Hezbollah launched rockets into northern Israel. This followed Israel’s military strikes on Iran two days earlier, which triggered a broader regional conflict. Since then, Israeli forces have advanced into Lebanon, seizing approximately 20% of its territory. The incursion has pushed them deeper into the south than during the 1982-2000 occupation, displacing over a million people and intensifying civilian casualties.

According to Lebanese state media, the death toll in the country has surpassed 3,500 since the conflict began. In addition to the 9 killed in Saturday’s strikes, more than 29 Israeli soldiers and three civilians have also been reported dead. The Lebanese government, which has long sought to disarm Hezbollah, accused the militant group of dragging the nation into war. Despite this, Hezbollah has refused to accept the latest ceasefire, maintaining its stance on continued resistance against Israeli forces.

Aoun and Lebanon’s prime minister recently criticized Iran for opposing the ceasefire agreement. They argued that Iran was using Lebanon as a "political pawn" in its dealings with the United States. The president stressed that his country should not be manipulated to serve Tehran’s interests, particularly in the context of ongoing Israeli attacks.

Iran’s foreign minister countered by highlighting the scale of the conflict, suggesting that Lebanon’s plight was secondary to the broader geopolitical struggle. "Had Iran’s influence been the primary focus, we would have reached a deal much earlier," he stated. "You must confront your true adversary, Mr. President," Araghchi added, indirectly accusing Israel of exploiting the situation for its own gain.

Analysts note that the ceasefire deal is a critical milestone in the conflict, though its effectiveness remains uncertain. The agreement, brokered through U.S. efforts, aims to reduce violence while addressing Lebanon’s demands for an Israeli withdrawal. However, Hezbollah’s refusal to participate has left the peace process vulnerable to disruption. The military group continues to assert that the ceasefire is insufficient to protect its operations or its presence in Lebanon.

Meanwhile, the international community has called for restraint, with some nations urging both sides to honor the agreement. The Lebanese army’s statement underscored its resolve, even as it mourned the loss of its personnel. "The aggression intensifies, but so does our unity and will to fight," the military added, emphasizing the need for collective action against the ongoing threats.

As the situation develops, the focus remains on whether the ceasefire can hold in the face of continued hostilities. The strikes on Saturday have reignited fears that the fragile truce may not last, particularly as both Israel and Hezbollah brace for potential escalations. The outcome of this conflict will likely shape the region’s stability for years to come.