Daijiworld Media Network – Beirut

Beirut, Nov 9: At least three people were killed and several others injured in Israeli airstrikes across southern Lebanon on Saturday, the Lebanese Health Ministry confirmed. Israel claimed the attacks targeted arms smugglers and Hezbollah-linked operatives, escalating tensions despite a nearly year-old ceasefire.

According to Lebanon’s National News Agency, two brothers from Shebaa were killed when their SUV was struck on the slopes of Mount Hermon, causing the vehicle to catch fire. The Israeli military later confirmed responsibility for the strike, saying it killed two members of the Lebanese Resistance Brigades, a group allied with Hezbollah.

“The terrorists were involved in smuggling weapons used by Hezbollah and their activities violated the understandings between Israel and Lebanon,” the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated. “The IDF will continue to act to eliminate any threat to the State of Israel,” it added.

Later, another Israeli strike in Baraashit village killed one person and wounded four others. Israel claimed the target was a Hezbollah operative “involved in rebuilding the group’s military infrastructure.”

Earlier in the day, a separate strike near a hospital in Bint Jbeil injured seven civilians, according to Lebanon’s Health Ministry.

The attacks have drawn widespread international concern. The European Union called for restraint, urging all sides to focus on maintaining peace. “Focus by all parties must be on preserving the ceasefire and the progress achieved so far,” said European Commission foreign affairs spokesperson Anouar El Anouni.

Israel has accused Lebanon of failing to act against Hezbollah and maintains that its military operations are aimed at protecting its borders and citizens. On Thursday, Israel had issued advance warnings of strikes in southern Lebanon, asking civilians in targeted areas to evacuate.