Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has directed his military to “vigorously attack Hezbollah targets” in Lebanon. This directive comes just two days after a ceasefire agreement between the two sides was extended by three weeks, highlighting the fragile nature of the truce.
Intensified Cross-Border Exchanges
Following Netanyahu’s order, fresh Israeli attacks were reported. This escalation occurred after at least six people were killed in strikes on southern Lebanon on Saturday. The renewed cross-border exchanges have significantly strained the existing truce, which aimed for a reduction in hostilities rather than a complete halt. The ceasefire had been extended on Thursday after diplomatic talks in Washington.
Casualties and Specific Incidents
On Saturday, Israeli strikes reportedly killed four people in the town of Yohmor al-Shaqeef in the Nabatieh district, according to Lebanon’s health ministry via Agence-France-Presse. These strikes targeted a truck and a motorbike. Additionally, two more individuals were killed and 17 injured in an attack on Safad al-Battikh in the Bint Jbeil district. The ministry also reported the deaths of two armed members of a group in the Litani area, where Israel maintains a self-declared buffer zone, stating they “posed a threat to the IDF soldiers operating in southern Lebanon.”
The IDF later acknowledged a “suspicious aerial target” in the Malkia area, calling the incident “an additional violation of the ceasefire.” In retaliation for the attack on Yohmor al-Shaqeef, Hezbollah stated it targeted an Israeli army vehicle in south Lebanon.
Further Strikes Reported
Following the Prime Minister’s order, Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency (NNA) reported a series of strikes. These included a pair of quick succession strikes in a town in Bint Jbeil district, another on a town in Tyre district, and strikes on two more towns in Nabatieh district. The Israeli military confirmed it “struck Hezbollah terrorist infrastructure used for military purposes across southern Lebanon,” asserting its commitment to “continue to operate decisively against threats directed at Israeli civilians and IDF soldiers.”
Concerns for Journalists
An international press advocacy group on Saturday condemned attacks on journalists in Lebanon as “unacceptable.” This statement followed the death of a journalist in Israeli attacks on Wednesday. The Media Freedom Coalition (MFC), including the UK and Finland, urged all parties to ensure the safety and freedom of media workers. An Israeli strike killed Amal Khalil, a Lebanese newspaper journalist, and injured freelance photographer Zeinab Faraj. Lebanese officials claim they were deliberately targeted while seeking shelter. The IDF, however, denied targeting journalists.
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