Israeli airstrikes kill 11 in southern Lebanon, Hezbollah vows retaliation

Israeli airstrikes on Saturday in southern Lebanon killed at least eleven people, marking one of the deadliest attacks in the region since the cease‑fire agreements reached in June that had largely reduced hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah. The Israeli Defense Forces said the strikes were carried out in retaliation for a recent Hezbollah attack on Israeli troops operating in the south of the country.

Hezbollah, the Iran‑backed militant group that controls much of southern Lebanon, condemned the airstrikes and warned that the attacks would be met with “what they deserve.” The incident follows a series of escalations in the area, with both sides exchanging fire and accusations over the past months. The Israeli government has repeatedly stated that its operations are aimed at neutralizing threats posed by Hezbollah’s military infrastructure.

The latest strikes underscore the fragile security situation along the Israel‑Lebanon border, where sporadic clashes continue to occur despite the 2024 cease‑fire. International observers have called for a renewed diplomatic effort to prevent further escalation and to protect civilians caught in the crossfire.