Israeli airstrikes killed 14 people and wounded 37, Lebanon’s health ministry reported, as the Israeli military urged residents to evacuate seven towns beyond the “buffer zone” it occupies in southern Lebanon. The casualties included two children and two women. Israel confirmed that one of its soldiers also died, underscoring the fragility of the ceasefire that has failed to fully halt hostilities.
The Israeli military said Hezbollah violated the truce and vowed to continue operations against the group. In a statement posted on X, the military urged civilians to move north and west away from the targeted towns. The strikes reportedly hit Hezbollah fighters, rocket launchers, and a weapons depot.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the military’s actions during a cabinet meeting in Jerusalem. “From our perspective, what obliges us is the security of Israel, the security of our soldiers, the security of our communities,” he said. Netanyahu added that Israel acts in coordination with the United States and Lebanon.
Hezbollah responded defiantly, declaring it would not stop attacks on Israeli troops inside Lebanon or on towns in northern Israel as long as Israel continued what it called “ceasefire violations.” The Iran-backed group dismissed diplomatic efforts as ineffective and accused Lebanese authorities of failing to protect the country.
Earlier on Sunday, Hezbollah claimed responsibility for an attack on Israeli forces inside Lebanon, including a rescue team sent to evacuate them. Israel confirmed one soldier was killed and six others wounded in that incident. Later in the day, the Israeli military said it intercepted three drones before they crossed into Israeli territory, triggering sirens in the north.
The escalation highlights the deep strain on the ceasefire agreement, with both sides accusing each other of violations. For civilians in southern Lebanon, the warnings to evacuate towns north of the Litani River reflect the growing danger as Israeli operations continue despite the truce.
The renewed violence underscores the volatile situation along the border, where the buffer zone remains a flashpoint. With casualties mounting and both sides unwilling to back down, the prospect of sustained calm appears increasingly uncertain.
