Key facts
- Israeli airstrikes killed at least 11 people in southern Lebanon.
- Three children were among the 11 killed.
- 19 people were wounded in the strikes.
- The attacks targeted Ansar and Deir al-Zahrani.
- Israel stated it targeted Hezbollah infrastructure.
- Lebanese officials condemned the strikes.
- Israel designated three villages in southern Lebanon as 'pilot zones'.
- An agreement was signed in June 2026 for gradual Israeli withdrawal.
- The agreement aims for handover of sovereignty to the Lebanese Army.
- Hezbollah Secretary General Naim Qassem stated Israel only understands force.
Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon have resulted in the deaths of at least 11 people, with 19 others wounded. The Lebanese health ministry confirmed casualties in attacks on the villages of Ansar and Deir al-Zahrani. Lebanese officials have condemned these strikes. Israel stated that its military operations targeted Hezbollah infrastructure in the region.
Analysts suggest that Israel's designation of three villages in southern Lebanon as 'pilot zones' serves to prolong its occupation and undermine Hezbollah, rather than facilitate a genuine withdrawal. This designation, agreed upon in June 2026, ostensibly aims for a gradual Israeli withdrawal and the transfer of sovereignty to the Lebanese Army. However, ongoing Israeli military actions on the ground are seen as contradicting these stated intentions.
Hezbollah Secretary General Naim Qassem commented on the situation, stating that Israel only understands the language of force. He referenced Israel's 2006 war as evidence of this understanding.