An Israeli airstrike in southern Lebanon on Saturday killed nine people, including three Lebanese soldiers, dealing a severe blow to a newly agreed US-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.
The Lebanese army confirmed a brigadier general, a captain, and a third soldier died when their military vehicle was struck on a road between Khardali and Nabatieh. The attack came days after Lebanese and Israeli officials agreed to a framework aimed at reducing border hostilities.
The Israeli military stated the vehicle was moving "suspiciously" in an "active combat zone," claiming troops had ordered civilians to evacuate the area. The military emphasized it "operates against Hezbollah, not the Lebanese army," and is reviewing the incident.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned the strike as a "flagrant violation of sovereignty" and international law, accusing Israel of undermining diplomatic efforts. The fragile ceasefire, in effect since April, has been repeatedly tested by mutual accusations of violations. Hezbollah rejected the US-backed proposal requiring its withdrawal and a complete Israeli pullout from Lebanese territory.