Israel launched new attacks in southern Lebanon on Thursday, subjecting towns and villages in the area to airstrikes and artillery fire despite the framework agreement brokered by the United States.
Residential areas were struck in the town of Mansouri in the Tyre district. In the Bint Jbeil district, a house near Haris-Haddatha was destroyed by two missiles. The Marjayoun Plain, Wadi al-Hujayr, Wadi al-Saluki and the area around Zwaitir al-Sharqiyah were also targeted by Israeli artillery. No casualties were reported after the initial attacks.
Attacks and explosions in southern Lebanon
The escalation that began in the area on Wednesday night continued with airstrikes, artillery fire and powerful explosions in several towns. A major explosion occurred overnight in the town of Beni Hayyan in the Marjayoun district.
The Israeli army also carried out an explosion in the Ali al-Taher hills outside Nabatieh Governorate. The explosion caused strong tremors and a loud noise in Nabatieh and the surrounding area.
In a later statement, the Israeli army claimed that underground routes with a total length of more than 2 kilometers had been destroyed in the area. The army also claimed that forces from the 36th Division had established “operational control” above and below ground in the Ali al-Taher hills, and that the tunnels were intended for use by Hezbollah.
Israeli army said to remain in security zone
In a joint statement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz said that the destruction of the tunnels had completed the “reorganization of the security zone” in southern Lebanon. The statement said the Israeli army would remain in the security zone.
The Lebanese army said it had recorded approximately 7,700 Israeli violations since the framework agreement was signed between Israel and Lebanon on June 26. The army said the continued violations threatened the existing understandings and arrangements.
According to the Lebanese army, Israel has increased its attacks on residential areas and institutions in recent days. The army said the attacks had caused deaths and injuries, adding that at least 12 people, including women and children, had been killed in Kfar Rumman in the Nabatieh district.
The framework agreement provides for Israel’s gradual withdrawal from all occupied areas and the deployment of the Lebanese army in those areas. Israel has maintained its presence in some parts of southern Lebanon for decades and in others since the 2023-2024 war.
