Israeli air strikes in southern Lebanon sees 10 killed

Israeli committed its most brutal civilian attack in southern Lebanon since the escalation of tensions, in October, at the southern border, Reuters reported on February 15. 

An Israeli strike on the evening of February 14 killed 10 civilians, 5 of whom were children, in the Lebanese city of Nabatieh. 

Shortly after the attack, Lebanese militants Hezbollah vowed to ruthlessly hit back saying that Israel would “pay the price” for the recent murder of 10 people. 

Prior to the attack, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah warned Israeli leaders in a speech that starting a war with the group would lead to “one million evacuees” from northern Israel. 

Both parties have claimed that they do not seek animus confrontation but despite this, they have also said that they must prepare for a war akin to the one-month conflict in 2006. 

READ: Lebanon fears escalation between Israel and Hezbollah

Since Israel’s war on the besieged Gaza Strip, many have feared that a regional conflict could erupt as Western diplomats have jetted of to the region in an attempt to restore calm. 

As well as the killing of civilians, the Lebanese militant group said that a significant number of their fighters were killed in Nabatieh in separate strikes. 

Hezbollah politician Hassan Fadlallah warned that Israel, “will pay the price for these crimes” and added, “The resistance will continue to practice its legitimate right to defend its people”. 

Asked about the strike in southern Lebanon, an IDF spokesperson said on February 14 that it was seeking more information but would make an announcement once all the details have been released. 

On the same day, Israel said that the Nabatieh strike was a retaliation against recent rocket firings from Lebanon into the northern Israeli city of Safed (15km away from the Lebanese-Israeli border). 

The strike, which Hezbollah did not claim responsibility for, killed an Israeli soldier as well as wounding 8 who have now been taken to hospital, sources in the area said. 

Reuters/ The Washington Post