Key facts
- Israeli warplanes conducted air attacks in southern Lebanon, including Nabatieh al-Fawqa and Zawtar al-Sharqiyah.
- The Lebanese army announced its deployment to all non-occupied parts of the country's south.
- At least 11 people were killed in the Israeli strikes, according to Lebanon's Ministry of Health.
- The Israeli military stated the strikes targeted Hezbollah infrastructure in response to attacks on Israeli soldiers.
- Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam rejected Israel's justification for the escalation.
Israeli warplanes carried out multiple air raids in southern Lebanon, striking towns including Nabatieh al-Fawqa and Zawtar al-Sharqiyah, according to Lebanon's National News Agency. The Lebanese army announced that its units have been deployed to all non-occupied areas of the country's south, including the Nabatieh region, and have intensified operations to reassure residents.
Lebanese officials condemned the attacks, which resulted in at least 11 deaths and 19 wounded, including children, marking the deadliest strikes since a ceasefire was brokered in June. The Israeli military stated that the strikes targeted Hezbollah infrastructure in response to attacks on Israeli soldiers at Ali al-Taher Ridge. The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed the strikes hit a Hezbollah terror headquarters. However, Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam rejected Israel's justification, calling the escalation "extremely dangerous" and stating that any military infrastructure on Lebanese territory is the responsibility of the Lebanese state, not a cause for Israel to violate territory or endanger civilians. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun also condemned the attacks as violations of international laws.