Israel reports killing a Hezbollah operative in a strike, while Lebanon condemns the attack as a ‘crime against civilians’.
Published On 21 Sep 2025
According to Lebanon’s Health Ministry, an Israeli drone strike in the southern town of Bint Jbeil resulted in the deaths of five individuals, including three children. This incident occurred despite a ceasefire brokered by the United States that has been in place since November.
The National News Agency (NNA), Lebanon’s official news outlet, detailed that the attack targeted both a motorcycle and a car, injuring two additional people.
Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri revealed that the three children-Celine, Hadi, and Aseel-and their father were American citizens. The children’s mother sustained injuries during the strike.
While Israel confirmed the elimination of a Hezbollah operative in the attack, it also acknowledged the unfortunate loss of civilian lives.
Israel has repeatedly launched strikes against what it describes as Hezbollah strongholds in southern Lebanon. The Israeli government asserts these actions aim to prevent the Iran-supported group from regaining military strength after a previous conflict that decimated much of Hezbollah’s leadership, including its long-standing leader Hassan Nasrallah.
Condemnation and Outcry
“Is it the innocence of Lebanese children that threatens Israel’s existence?” Berri questioned, as reported by NNA. “Or is it Israel’s unrestrained aggression, carried out without accountability, that truly endangers global peace and security?”
Lebanon’s Prime Minister Nawaf Salam denounced the strike as “a fresh massacre.”
“This act is a blatant violation against civilians and serves as a warning to those returning to their homes in the southern regions,” Salam, who formerly presided over the International Court of Justice, stated.
He urged the global community to strongly condemn Israel’s ongoing breaches of international laws and resolutions.
Labour Minister Mohamad Haidar accused Israel of intentionally targeting Lebanese civilians who have resettled in the south following over a year of turmoil triggered by Israel’s conflict in Gaza.
“Their strategy will fail because the resilience of southern Lebanon’s people surpasses the destructive force of this aggression,” Haidar affirmed.
Meanwhile, the United States, Saudi Arabia, and other factions opposing Hezbollah within Lebanon have been pressuring the group to disarm. Earlier this month, Lebanon’s military presented a disarmament plan to the government, signaling the start of efforts to reduce Hezbollah’s armed capabilities.
However, Hezbollah remains steadfast in retaining its weapons, arguing that disarmament would be unwise as long as Israel continues its military operations in Lebanon and maintains control over parts of the southern territory.
