Israel attacks South Lebanon amid 'ceasefire' talks

Israeli air strikes killed at least four people and wounded 20 others in southern Lebanon on Sunday, in the latest escalation despite an ongoing truce, Lebanese authorities said.

The strikes began at dawn and targeted several areas, including Nabatieh, Arab Salim, Nabatieh al-Fawqa and Kfar Reman, according to Lebanon’s National News Agency. Two women were killed and six people injured in Arab Salim after Israeli forces issued a displacement order for a building in the town.

Lebanon’s Health Ministry reported two deaths in a separate strike on Nabatieh al-Fawqa. An attack on Nabatieh city also destroyed a historic building and damaged nearby structures, while another strike in Kfar Reman destroyed the home of the town’s former mayor.

Israel said the strikes were carried out in response to Hezbollah launching two drones towards Israeli forces in southern Lebanon, describing the move as a “blatant violation”.

Lebanon has reported more than 4,300 deaths from Israeli attacks since March, when Hezbollah launched an attack during the wider US-Israel conflict with Iran. Israeli forces continue to operate inside a self-declared security zone extending about 10 km into Lebanese territory.

Despite a reduction in attacks following a June US-Iran understanding and a subsequent framework agreement between Israel and Lebanon, Beirut continues to report air strikes, artillery fire and demolitions in southern areas.

Meanwhile, Israel is reportedly considering moving its troops closer to the border. Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam also held talks with Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, as Doha pushed for de-escalation.