Israeli Strikes on Lebanon Kill 11, Hizbullah Vows Retaliation

Israeli air strikes have killed at least 11 people and wounded 19 others in southern Lebanon. The Lebanese government has confirmed the casualty figures.

According to Al-Jazeera on Sunday (16/8/2026), the early morning strikes on Saturday (15/8) hit Ansar and Deir ez-Zahrani in the Nabatieh district. In Ansar, seven people were killed, including three children, and two were injured. The strike on Deir ez-Zahrani killed four people and wounded 17.

Hizbullah has urged the Lebanese government to abandon what it called ‘humiliating’ direct negotiations and to stop relying on US mediation. The group said Washington supports Israeli interests over Lebanese sovereignty.

The group also warned that the Israeli attacks would be met with an ‘appropriate response’.

‘The Israeli enemy must understand well that its attacks, violations and attempts to impose a fait accompli cannot continue, and will be met with what they deserve,’ the statement said.

Meanwhile, Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri described the Israeli strikes as a ‘massacre’. He said the attacks were a continuation of the ‘extermination’ in southern Lebanon.

The Israeli military said it had struck what it called Hizbullah infrastructure in the Nabatieh and Ansar areas. Israel said the strikes were in response to action against Israeli soldiers on the Ali al-Taher Ridge.

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam rejected Israel’s account. He called the escalation ‘extremely dangerous’ and said it undermined efforts to consolidate stability in southern Lebanon.

‘Its existence does not give Israel the right to violate Lebanese territory or endanger civilians,’ Salam said, calling on Israel to halt the escalation.