Israeli Army Strikes Southern Lebanon Despite Framework Deal

The Israeli army carried out a demolition operation in Bani Hayyan and launched artillery shelling on the outskirts of Wadi al-Hujair on Saturday, according to Lebanon’s state‑run National News Agency (NNA). These strikes happened even though a U.S.‑brokered framework agreement was signed in June between Lebanon and Israel to facilitate a gradual Israeli withdrawal from occupied territory. The NNA noted that the army also conducted search operations in Khiam, in the Marjayoun district, and that its artillery fired on the outskirts of Baraachit in Bint Jbeil district and on Wadi Zibqin overnight. Earlier on Friday evening, Israeli forces targeted the al‑Arayesh area between Haris and Hadatha in Bint Jbeil district and fired heavy machine‑gun rounds toward the outskirts of Mansouri and Bayut al‑Sayyad, south of Tyre, accompanied by artillery shelling. The June framework deal provides for a step‑wise Israeli withdrawal in exchange for the deployment of the Lebanese army and the assumption of security responsibilities in the region. Lebanon’s Health Ministry reported on Thursday that Israeli attacks since March 2 had killed 4,390 people and wounded 12,429 others as of November 5. Israeli troops continue to occupy areas of southern Lebanon, including positions held for decades and others seized during the 2023‑2024 war when Israeli ground forces advanced roughly 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) into Lebanese territory.