Nine Killed in Israeli Strikes on Southern Lebanon, Authorities Say
Nine people were killed when Israeli forces conducted air strikes on the southern Lebanese town of Ansar and the nearby village of Deir al-Zahrani, according to Lebanese authorities. The Ansar strike, carried out at about 04:30 local time, was reported to have hit a house occupied by displaced families. Footage released on social media showed large plumes of smoke and sirens ringing through the village streets.
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said the attack brought death to seven civilians, including three children and two women, adding that such incidents should not be described as “military infrastructure.” He urged Israel to stop the escalation and protected the security of Lebanese families on their own land.
Israel’s military spokesman said the operation targeted “Hezbollah terror infrastructure” after an earlier incident involving Israeli soldiers. The IDF also reported strikes along the Ali Al‑Taher Ridge, a strategic high ground overlooking much of southeastern Lebanon.
Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun condemned the raids, labeling them a repeated violation of the June ceasefire framework, which calls for a gradual Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon and Hezbollah disarmament. He warned that the attacks convey a clear message that the US‑led negotiations were being disregarded.
The Lebanese Army has begun deploying units in the region, but Hezbollah remains opposed to the framework and has voiced criticism of the Lebanese government's handling of the situation. Talks between Israeli and Lebanese diplomats are set for a new meeting in September, though a final date has yet to be fixed.
