Escalation in Southern Lebanon
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered his military to "vigorously attack Hezbollah targets" in Lebanon, following a series of strikes that killed six people on Saturday. The directive comes despite a recently extended ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah. Fresh Israeli attacks followed Netanyahu's order, according to Lebanon's state-run National News Agency.
Casualties and Accusations
Lebanon's health ministry reported that "Israeli enemy strikes on a truck and a motorbike in the town of Yohmor al-Shaqeef in the Nabatieh district killed four people." Another two people were killed and 17 injured in an attack on the town of Safad al-Battikh, in the Bint Jbeil district. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it had "eliminated" three Hezbollah members on Saturday who were driving "a vehicle loaded with weapons", as well as another one riding a motorcycle. The IDF added that two more armed members of the group were killed in the Litani area.
Military Actions and Claims
The Israeli military said it "struck Hezbollah terrorist infrastructure used for military purposes across southern Lebanon." The IDF also stated it would "continue to operate decisively against threats directed at Israeli civilians and IDF soldiers, in accordance with directives from the political echelon." The IDF said a "suspicious aerial target was identified" in the area of Malkia, adding the "incident constitutes an additional violation of the ceasefire." Hezbollah said it targeted an Israeli army vehicle in south Lebanon in retaliation for the attack on Yohmor al-Shaqeef.
Ceasefire Under Strain
The Israeli army accused Hezbollah militants of breaching the extended ceasefire. The IDF said it identified two projectiles launched from Lebanon, calling it "a blatant violation of the ceasefire understandings" by Hezbollah. Hezbollah said it targeted an Israeli army vehicle in south Lebanon in retaliation for the attack on Yohmor al-Shaqeef. The agreement, which has seen a reduction in fire rather than a complete halt, was extended on Thursday after talks between the countries' envoys in Washington.
Concerns for Journalists
An international press advocacy group said attacks on journalists in Lebanon were "unacceptable", after a journalist was among those killed in Israeli attacks on Wednesday. The Media Freedom Coalition (MFC) urged all parties to allow members of the media to work freely and safely. An Israeli strike killed Amal Khalil, who worked for a Lebanese newspaper, and injured freelance photographer Zeinab Faraj. Officials in Lebanon say they were deliberately targeted as they sought shelter in a home after an initial air strike hit the vehicle in front of them, killing two men. The IDF said it did not target journalists.
Regional Impact
Israel continues to occupy a much of southern Lebanon and has been carrying out large-scale demolitions there.
For example, the Media Freedom Coalition (MFC) is a partnership that includes the UK and Finland, which condemned violence against journalists.