Israeli air attacks killed at least four people and wounded 20 others in southern Lebanon on Sunday, according to Lebanon’s official National News Agency and Health Ministry. The strikes hit Nabatieh, Arab Salim, Nabatieh al-Fawqa and Kfar Reman despite a truce.
Two women were killed and six people wounded in Arab Salim after Israeli forces issued a forced displacement order for a building there, NNA reported. The Health Ministry said at least two people were killed in a separate strike on Nabatieh al-Fawqa.
What happened in the affected towns
An air attack on Nabatieh city destroyed a historical building owned by the brother of a Lebanese member of parliament and damaged several buildings nearby. Another strike hit the Sayyida Masouma Garden, destroying what remained of the municipal park after it was hit the previous day.
The attacks began at dawn and also struck Kfar Reman. Lebanon’s authorities said Israeli strikes in southern and eastern parts of the country on Friday killed four people, including an 18-year-old woman. For additional context, see “Attacks persist in Syria and Lebanon despite diplomatic efforts”.
Why Israel says it carried out the strikes
Israel said the attacks were in response to Hezbollah launching two drones towards its forces in southern Lebanon, calling the launch a “blatant violation” by the Lebanese armed group. Hezbollah has not commented on Israel’s announcement that it took “operational control” earlier this week of the strategic Ali al-Taher ridge near Nabatieh.
Since March, when Hezbollah attacked Israel during the US-Israel war on Iran, Israel has carried out air strikes across Lebanon and launched a ground invasion. Lebanon says those attacks have killed more than 4,300 people. Israeli forces continue to operate inside a self-declared security zone about 10km (six miles) deep inside Lebanon. A related part of this story is covered in “US military says tanker strikes followed Iranian missile attacks”.
Possible troop repositioning remains unresolved
Israel is considering moving troops closer to its border, but the plan has not been approved by the country’s political leadership. Israeli public broadcaster Kan, citing security sources, reported that the military was preparing to reposition forces three to four kilometres closer to the border along a proposed “Grey Line” with new outposts.
The proposal would involve pulling troops back from parts of the “Yellow Line”, which extends north of the Litani River. The handover of territory to the Lebanese army remains unresolved. Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani also spoke with Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam as Doha pressed for de-escalation. The development of this issue can be followed in “Israeli targeting practice examined after WCK convoy strike”.
What happens next
Israel is weighing a troop repositioning, but the proposal still requires political approval and an agreement on transferring territory to the Lebanese army.
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