Israel launches fresh attacks on southern Lebanon, hinders Lebanese army deployment

Local media reported that the airstrike targeted al-Mansouri, while Israeli media claimed the Israeli military struck what it described as a Hezbollah operational apartment in the town.

The strike came as the Lebanese army said continuing Israeli attacks were obstructing the completion of its deployment in southern Lebanon and preventing residents from returning to their towns. It said Israeli forces had blown up buildings and civilian facilities in Zawtar al-Sharqiyah.

In a statement, the Lebanese army said Israeli forces destroyed the town’s public school, health clinic, nursery and several homes, in addition to the municipal building, which had been blown up earlier.

The army accused Israel of continuing to target southern villages and towns, stressing that the attacks were obstructing its operations and deployment despite its units continuing to carry out their duties in the area.

Lebanon’s National News Agency reported that Israeli forces blew up and destroyed the four-story Sheikh Naim Mahdi School building in central Zawtar al-Sharqiyah. Israeli forces also carried out explosions in the valley near the town of Touline, along the Wadi al-Salouqi road.

Overnight, Israeli forces carried out two explosions in the town of Haddatha and another in Beit Yahoun in the Bint Jbeil district.

Israeli Army Minister Israel Katz said Israel would continue demolishing what he described as Hezbollah infrastructure and homes in the “security zone,” adding that he had instructed the military to prepare for a prolonged presence in the area inside Lebanon.

Israel has continued its military attacks in Lebanon since the beginning of March, killing 4,335 people and injuring 12,277 others, according to Lebanese authorities. More than one million people have also been displaced.

Israel occupies areas of southern Lebanon, some of them for decades, while its forces have advanced more than 10 kilometers into Lebanese territory during the current offensive.