Israeli Airstrikes Kill 15 in Southern Lebanon
Residents in Ansariyeh surveyed the destruction caused by Israeli airstrikes late Friday and into Saturday, as Lebanon's Health Ministry reported at least 15 killed and several wounded across southern Lebanon. The attacks, including drone strikes, have intensified amid ongoing cross-border hostilities.
PM Salam Accuses Israel of Scorched-Earth Policy
Lebanon's Prime Minister Nawaf Salam accused Israel on Saturday of pursuing a "scorched-earth policy" in the country's south, urging an immediate halt to the fighting. In a televised address, Salam condemned Israel for "destroying towns and villages, and forcing their inhabitants into exile," warning that such actions bring "neither security nor stability" to Israel. He called for a "swift and real ceasefire" as the situation escalates dangerously.
IDF Expands Ground Operations
Israel's military confirmed on Sunday that its forces are advancing in Lebanon as part of expanded ground operations aimed at strengthening its defensive position against Hezbollah. A statement said "a significant number of IDF ground soldiers commenced offensive operations aimed at expanding the Forward Defense Line," adding that forces had crossed the Litani River. One Israeli soldier was killed in combat in southern Lebanon, and reports indicate the IDF captured a strategic castle, possibly its deepest incursion in 26 years.
Ceasefire Violations and Diplomatic Talks
A truce between Israel and Hezbollah, which officially took effect on 17 April, has never been observed, with both sides accusing each other of violations. Despite the ongoing violence, military delegations from both countries held security talks in Washington on Friday, with more US-brokered negotiations planned next week. Salam defended the talks as "the least costly path for our country and our people," though outcomes remain uncertain.
Hezbollah Retaliates
Hezbollah claimed multiple attacks targeting northern Israel on Saturday, including clashes with Israeli soldiers around the towns of Zawtar al-Sharqiyah, Yohmor al-Shaqif, and Dibbine. The group stated that Israeli forces "had not yet succeeded in taking control of the towns." Meanwhile, the Israeli military reported over 25 projectiles launched from Lebanon, with air alert sirens sounding in Karmiel and Safed for the first time since the ceasefire. Social media footage showed rockets falling into the sea off Nahariya, sending beachgoers fleeing.
Human Toll
According to the Lebanese health ministry, Israeli attacks have killed more than 3,371 people since 2 March, when Hezbollah drew Lebanon into the broader Middle East war in support of Iran. Hezbollah cited retaliation for the death of Iran's supreme leader in US-Israeli strikes as its reason for attacking Israel. Iran insists that any agreement to end the wider war must also cover Lebanon.
