Israel carried out one of its heaviest waves of airstrikes in Lebanon since the US-brokered ceasefire in April. The strikes targeted more than 100 alleged Hezbollah sites across southern and eastern Lebanon. The strikes came after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that military operations against Hezbollah would be intensified, BBC reported.
According to Lebanon’s health ministry, at least 11 people, including two children and one woman, were killed in strikes on the Bekaa Valley village of Mashghara. Another 15 people were injured. Lebanese state media reported that several homes were destroyed during the overnight bombardment.
The Israeli military said it targeted Hezbollah infrastructure, weapons facilities, command centres, and observation posts where “terrorist activity” had been identified.
Netanyahu vows stronger action
In a video statement on Monday, Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel would increase both the scale and intensity of attacks on Hezbollah after recent drone and rocket strikes from Lebanon.
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“We will deal them a crushing blow,” he said.
Following the statement, panic spread across Beirut’s southern suburbs, a Hezbollah stronghold. Residents were seen leaving the area overnight amid fears of further strikes, as per the BBC.
Ceasefire violations continue
Hezbollah said it had launched attacks on three barracks and one military post in northern Israel “in response to the violation of the ceasefire” by Israel, BBC reported.
The latest escalation has raised concerns over the stability of ongoing diplomatic efforts involving the US, Israel, and Iran to prevent a wider regional conflict.
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Israel said one of its soldiers was killed in combat in southern Lebanon on Sunday. According to the Israeli military, 23 soldiers and one civilian contractor have been killed in Hezbollah-related attacks since the conflict began on March 2.
Lebanon’s health ministry, meanwhile, said Israeli strikes during the same period have killed at least 3,185 people.
