Israel continued its violations of the ceasefire in Lebanon on Monday by launching an airstrike in the southern Lebanese town of Bint Jbeil that killed at least one civilian and wounded four Lebanese soldiers.
“The Israeli enemy targeted a car near the Saf al-Hawa/Bint Jbeil military checkpoint, killing a citizen and lightly wounding four soldiers,” the Lebanese Army said in a statement, according to AFP.
A day earlier, Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon killed three civilians. Since the ceasefire was supposed to go into effect on November 27, Israeli attacks have killed at least 24 people in Lebanon.
Lebanon has reported around 160 Israeli ceasefire violations since November 27. There’s only been one known incident of Hezbollah rocket fire that caused no casualties, which the group said was a “warning shot” in response to Israeli violations.
Israeli officials have claimed Hezbollah’s presence in southern Lebanon is a violation of the ceasefire, but under the deal, the group has 60 days to bring its fighters and heavy weapons north of the Litani River. During that time, Israel is also supposed to withdraw from southern Lebanon.
The US has given Israel assurances that it could take military action in southern Lebanon if it deems Hezbollah is violating the deal, giving Israel significant freedom of action. The assurances were given in a letter separate from the agreement signed between Israel and Lebanon.
