Lebanese President Joseph Aoun declared on Saturday that recent Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon, which claimed the lives of at least 11 people, delivered a "clear message" concerning peace negotiations between the two nations. The statement was released by his office.
Lebanese state media reported that the casualties included three children and two women. The attacks on Ansar and Deir al-Zahrani represent one of the deadliest incidents in the country since a US-brokered framework agreement aimed at de-escalating hostilities was established in June.
The president's office stated, "President Aoun considered that these violations send a clear message regarding the negotiation process and the US efforts aimed at implementing this agreement." The statement also noted that "an entire family from the town of Ansar" perished in the attacks.
The Israeli military confirmed carrying out the strikes, citing them as a response to an attack by the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah on IDF troops. The Hezbollah attack occurred in the Ali al-Taher Ridge area, situated within the security zone.
Lebanon has become entangled in the conflict between Israel, the US, and Iran, which escalated in late February. This involvement followed Hezbollah's rocket attacks into Israel, launched in response to the killing of former Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
In retaliation, Israel initiated a series of strikes and a ground invasion into southern Lebanon, establishing what it termed a "security zone" to dismantle what it described as "terror infrastructure."
Hezbollah issued a statement asserting, "The Israeli enemy must clearly understand that its acts of aggression, violations, and attempts to impose a fait accompli cannot continue." The group also urged Lebanese authorities to "cease chasing after US-led negotiations."
