Hope springs eternal for the assorted ceasefires between Israel and Lebanon actually reducing the number of Israeli strikes on Lebanon. Despite the reports that the awaited Iran deal will include calls for an Israeli pullout, however, the strikes and ground troop advancement show no signs of slowing.
Between Friday and early Saturday, the IDF has reported more than 70 airstrikes against “terrorist infrastructure” in Lebanon, including artillery strikes against the Nuns Quarter of the city of Nabatieh.
At least 5 people have been confirmed killed in various Israeli strikes, including the mayor of Ar-Rihan. Three people were killed in strikes on the Nabatieh District while another was slain in an airstrike against the town of Maarekeh, in Tyre District.
Photograph of Israeli airstrikes on the outskirts of Nabatieh | Image from Reuters
Troops were reported to be continuing to demolish buildings in the town of Bint Jbeil, which Israel captured after heavy fighting earlier in the war. Israeli troops also advanced near the village of Kfar Tebnit, forcing the Lebanese military to abandon the area.
Israel also issued a new broad evacuation order for dozens of towns across southern Lebanon, ordering any residents still within to evacuate north of the Zahrani River. The orders included Nabatieh, one of the northernmost cities within the newly occupied territory.
Hezbollah announced it had launched drone attacks against multiple Israeli military vehicles in southern Lebanon. There as yet has been no confirmation of any injuries from the Israeli side.
