Israel carried out a series of airstrikes across southern Lebanon on Monday, resulting in the deaths of 13 people, including women and children, according to the Lebanese health ministry. The surge in violence marks a sharp escalation following a period of relative calm after weeks of reduced hostilities.
The strikes targeted multiple locations, with a significant attack on a building in the town of Kfar Rumman killing 11 individuals, among them two children and four women. Another airstrike in the same town killed an 18-year-old rescuer affiliated with the Amal movement and wounded another. Additional strikes hit the town of Rihan, causing one fatality, and the city of Nabatieh, where nine people were wounded, including children and women.
Israel’s military stated that it conducted these operations in response to recent threats and attacks attributed to Hezbollah, the Iran-backed militant group based in Lebanon. The Israeli army reported striking “infrastructure sites” across southern Lebanon after encountering two explosive drones launched toward its forces, as well as targeting militants reportedly transferring weapons. The military confirmed the killing of a Hezbollah member near the Beaufort fortress who fired on Israeli troops, noting that two Israeli soldiers were lightly injured during the encounter.
The escalation comes shortly after Israel’s announcement last Thursday claiming the seizure of the strategic Ali al-Taher ridge from Hezbollah in the southern Nabatieh region, a claim not addressed by the militant group. Israel’s foreign ministry accused Hezbollah of repeated drone attacks and attempts to rebuild its military capabilities in violation of the ceasefire agreement between Lebanon and Israel, which includes provisions for the disarmament of Hezbollah.
The area impacted by the airstrikes had seen a return of local residents after a truce in June helped reduce the intensity of fighting that erupted in March, following Hezbollah’s initial actions against Israel in support of Iran. The restoration of relative calm followed a memorandum of understanding between Washington and Tehran and a framework agreement between Israel and Lebanon.
Witnesses described significant destruction in Kfar Rumman, where a photographer documented a building reduced to rubble with scattered schoolbooks and household items. Rescue efforts continued in the aftermath of the strikes. Residents expressed distress and fear, with one local, Fouad Chakaron, insisting the targeted building housed civilians with no ties to militant groups. Neighbors reportedly fled the area following the attacks, which also caused damage to nearby properties.
In contrast to the unannounced attack on Kfar Rumman, the Israeli military issued a warning before launching an airstrike in nearby Deir Zahrani, urging residents to evacuate. A resident recounted receiving a phone call at 2 a.m. instructing him to leave his home, which was later destroyed in the strike.
Clashes between Israeli forces and Hezbollah in Lebanon have resulted in significant casualties since March, with Beirut reporting over 4,300 deaths linked to Israeli military operations, including airstrikes and ground incursions. Israeli troops continue to maintain a self-declared security zone approximately 10 kilometers inside Lebanese territory near the border.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun called on the United States and the international community to intervene and halt the Israeli attacks amid the ongoing violence. Meanwhile, Hezbollah has remained silent regarding the recent escalation and has not claimed responsibility for any attacks since mid-June.