Israeli strikes kill 9 in south Lebanon, including 3 army officers; Aoun condemns

Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon on June 6, 2026, killed nine people, including a brigadier general, a captain, and another soldier from the Lebanese army. The strikes targeted a military vehicle on the Khardali-Nabatieh road, near the border town of Kfar Tibnit, and another attack in the village of Saksakiyah killed six civilians and wounded four, according to Lebanese officials. The Israeli military stated it had identified a threat to its forces and claimed the vehicle was moving suspiciously toward Israeli troops. It emphasized that its operations were directed against Hezbollah, not the Lebanese army, while acknowledging an investigation into the incident. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned the strikes as a ‘flagrant violation of Lebanon’s sovereignty and international law,’ warning they threatened stability in the region despite ceasefire efforts. The Lebanese army described Israel’s actions as deliberate aggression, asserting they undermined efforts to restore stability and achieve a ceasefire. Hezbollah condemned the strikes, accusing Lebanese authorities of concessions that emboldened Israel, including alleged acquiescence to Israeli demands in Washington negotiations. The group framed the attacks as part of broader Israeli aggression against Lebanon. Earlier, Lebanese President Aoun and Prime Minister Najib Mikati criticized Iran for opposing a ceasefire deal, warning Lebanon should not be used as a ‘bargaining chip’ in Tehran’s talks with the U.S. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi responded on social media, though specifics of his remarks were not detailed in the report. The Lebanese army has largely avoided direct involvement in the conflict between Hezbollah and Israel, maintaining a neutral stance amid escalating tensions.