Israeli airstrikes result in 7 deaths, 40 injuries in eastern and southern Lebanon
Seven individuals lost their lives and 40 more sustained injuries during new Israeli airstrikes targeting eastern and southern Lebanon on Saturday evening, as reported by Lebanon's health authorities. A Lebanese security source, who wished...
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Seven individuals lost their lives and 40 more sustained injuries during new Israeli airstrikes targeting eastern and southern Lebanon on Saturday evening, as reported by Lebanon's health authorities.
A Lebanese security source, who wished to remain anonymous, indicated that Israel conducted 15 airstrikes by Saturday evening.
The Israel Defense Forces stated that the Israeli Air Force initiated a second wave of strikes aimed at what it described as Hezbollah command centers, infrastructure sites, militants, rocket launchers, and a weapons storage facility throughout Lebanon.
It emphasized that it would "continue to strike as required to protect Israeli civilians."
Earlier, the Israeli Defense Minister's Office released a communication noting that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz had directed the IDF to execute a second series of strikes targeting numerous "Hezbollah targets" in Lebanon as a reaction to rockets fired into northern Israel earlier that morning.
"The Lebanese government is responsible for everything that happens on its territory," the statement read. "Israel will not allow any harm to its citizens and sovereignty, and will act in every way to ensure the security of Israeli citizens and northern communities."
Earlier that same day, the Israeli military reported intercepting rockets launched from Lebanon towards the northern Israeli town of Metula, with no casualties reported in Israel according to the country's emergency services.
The initial wave of Israeli attacks took place on Saturday afternoon, striking areas near the villages of Touline, Kfar Melki, Mleeta, and the Wadi al-Hujeir valley in southern Lebanon, as reported by Lebanon's state-owned National News Agency. The agency added that a residential building in Touline was destroyed, resulting in one fatality and three injuries.
Following the strikes, the Israeli military reiterated that it had targeted Hezbollah's infrastructure in Lebanon.
In an effort to address the escalating situation, Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Rajji engaged in discussions with various regional foreign ministers and officials, as reported by the NNA.
Rajji urged for international pressure on Israel to cease its offensive, de-escalate tensions, and address the mounting crisis along the southern border.
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon expressed concern over the violence.
"We strongly urge all parties to refrain from actions that could jeopardize the fragile stability," warned UNIFIL spokesperson Andrea Tenenti, cautioning that further escalation could lead to "severe consequences." UNIFIL noted that its peacekeepers were ongoing with patrols to reduce tensions.
This exchange unfolded against a backdrop of ongoing strife related to a U.S. and French-mediated ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, which took effect on November 27, 2024, ending over a year of hostilities tied to the Gaza conflict.
The truce required an Israeli withdrawal from disputed Lebanese territory; however, Lebanese officials assert that Israeli forces continue to occupy five border posts beyond the February 18 deadline.
Emily Johnson for TROIB News
A Lebanese security source, who wished to remain anonymous, indicated that Israel conducted 15 airstrikes by Saturday evening.
The Israel Defense Forces stated that the Israeli Air Force initiated a second wave of strikes aimed at what it described as Hezbollah command centers, infrastructure sites, militants, rocket launchers, and a weapons storage facility throughout Lebanon.
It emphasized that it would "continue to strike as required to protect Israeli civilians."
Earlier, the Israeli Defense Minister's Office released a communication noting that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz had directed the IDF to execute a second series of strikes targeting numerous "Hezbollah targets" in Lebanon as a reaction to rockets fired into northern Israel earlier that morning.
"The Lebanese government is responsible for everything that happens on its territory," the statement read. "Israel will not allow any harm to its citizens and sovereignty, and will act in every way to ensure the security of Israeli citizens and northern communities."
Earlier that same day, the Israeli military reported intercepting rockets launched from Lebanon towards the northern Israeli town of Metula, with no casualties reported in Israel according to the country's emergency services.
The initial wave of Israeli attacks took place on Saturday afternoon, striking areas near the villages of Touline, Kfar Melki, Mleeta, and the Wadi al-Hujeir valley in southern Lebanon, as reported by Lebanon's state-owned National News Agency. The agency added that a residential building in Touline was destroyed, resulting in one fatality and three injuries.
Following the strikes, the Israeli military reiterated that it had targeted Hezbollah's infrastructure in Lebanon.
In an effort to address the escalating situation, Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Rajji engaged in discussions with various regional foreign ministers and officials, as reported by the NNA.
Rajji urged for international pressure on Israel to cease its offensive, de-escalate tensions, and address the mounting crisis along the southern border.
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon expressed concern over the violence.
"We strongly urge all parties to refrain from actions that could jeopardize the fragile stability," warned UNIFIL spokesperson Andrea Tenenti, cautioning that further escalation could lead to "severe consequences." UNIFIL noted that its peacekeepers were ongoing with patrols to reduce tensions.
This exchange unfolded against a backdrop of ongoing strife related to a U.S. and French-mediated ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, which took effect on November 27, 2024, ending over a year of hostilities tied to the Gaza conflict.
The truce required an Israeli withdrawal from disputed Lebanese territory; however, Lebanese officials assert that Israeli forces continue to occupy five border posts beyond the February 18 deadline.
Emily Johnson for TROIB News
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