An Israeli airstrike in southern Lebanon killed one person and wounded at least 11 others on Wednesday, August 5, according to Lebanon’s Health Ministry as reported by The Guardian. The strike hit a cemetery in Tebnine, while al-Mansouri was also bombed and residents were ordered to leave.
The escalation came as Lebanese and Israeli negotiators met in Rome over a framework that links an Israeli withdrawal from parts of southern Lebanon with the Lebanese army’s deployment and Hezbollah’s disarmament. The violence forced the talks to end early on Wednesday, according to The Associated Press.
At a glance:
- The Israeli military said it issued a warning for residents of al-Mansouri about 30 minutes before the strikes.
- Israel said the operation targeted Hezbollah infrastructure after what it described as a ceasefire violation.
- The June ceasefire has largely held since June 20, but Israeli forces continue to occupy areas of southern Lebanon and conduct periodic strikes, according to AP.
- Two Israeli soldiers were killed in an explosion in southern Lebanon on Wednesday, the Israeli military said.
What happened in Tebnine and al-Mansouri
Lebanon’s Health Ministry said the strike in Tebnine killed one person and injured 11. The Guardian reported that the target area included a cemetery. The ministry also said al-Mansouri was bombed, prompting families to flee.
Related coverage: Israel Escalates Military Operations in Gaza Despite US-Backed Ceasefire Roadmap.
The Israeli military said it was carrying out what it called precise strikes against Hezbollah infrastructure. It said the action followed a ceasefire violation by Hezbollah, but AP reported that Hezbollah had not immediately issued a response.
Why the strikes matter
The attacks occurred during the second day of U.S.-mediated talks in Rome. The discussions concern a June 26 framework under which Israeli forces would withdraw from areas they occupy in southern Lebanon while the Lebanese army assumes control, in exchange for Hezbollah’s disarmament.
AP reported that Wednesday’s talks ended early because of the escalation. The negotiations were scheduled to address the expansion of pilot zones, where Lebanese forces would take over security responsibilities, as well as remaining border and security issues.
What is known about the ceasefire
AP reported that the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah has largely held since June 20, although Israeli forces have continued to occupy parts of southern Lebanon and carry out airstrikes and shelling.
The warning to al-Mansouri was described by AP as the first such evacuation order issued by Israel in Lebanon in weeks. The Guardian reported that it was the first displacement order since the June ceasefire began.
Related coverage:
No comments yet. Start the discussion.