BEIRUT — On Saturday, Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon resulted in the deaths of nine individuals, including three members of the Lebanese military. This incident occurred just days after both sides reached a new ceasefire agreement. The Lebanese army and state media reported the events.

An airstrike targeted a vehicle on a road connecting the city of Nabatiyeh with the town of Marjayoun. This attack resulted in the deaths of a brigadier general, a captain, and another soldier. The army did not release their names immediately.

Another strike in the southern village of Saksakiyah led to the deaths of six people, with four others wounded, as reported by the state-run National News Agency.

The continued, deliberate, and repeated Israeli aggression against Lebanon, its people, and its army only strengthens our resolve, faith, and determination, the army stated, condemning the actions.

The army accused Israel of attempting to thwart efforts to restore stability and establish a comprehensive ceasefire. They also called for the Israeli withdrawal from occupied Lebanese territories.

The Israeli military confirmed the vehicle attack, noting that the vehicle was moving in a suspicious manner towards Israeli forces near the village of Kfar Tibnit. They claimed the operation was directed against Hezbollah, not the Lebanese army, based on indications that Hezbollah was preparing to attack Israeli soldiers from that area.

Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun condemned the strike as a blatant violation of Lebanese sovereignty and international law. He expressed concern over escalating tensions affecting stability and security in southern Lebanon. Despite ongoing efforts in Washington to reach an accord, the situation remains dire.

The recent ceasefire, announced in Washington, resulted from U.S.-brokered discussions between Israel and Lebanon’s government. The Lebanese government’s efforts to disarm Hezbollah remain unsuccessful, with Hezbollah rejecting the truce.

President Aoun and Lebanon’s prime minister criticized Iran on Friday for opposing the latest ceasefire with Israel. They urged that Lebanon should not serve as a lever in Iran’s negotiations with Washington. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi retorted on social media, suggesting Israel, not Iran, as the true enemy of Lebanon.

The conflict began on March 2, when Hezbollah launched rockets into northern Israel following Israeli and U.S. attacks on Iran. Since then, Israel has initiated a ground invasion and extensive attacks on Lebanon, displacing over 1 million people.

Israeli forces now control around one-fifth of Lebanon, advancing further south than during their 1982-2000 occupation. Since the outbreak of war, more than 3,500 people in Lebanon and 29 Israeli soldiers and three civilians have died.