RismadarVoice Reporters, June 13, 2026
Israeli airstrikes across southern Lebanon have killed at least five people and intensified fears of further escalation in the region, despite ongoing diplomatic efforts and a U.S.-brokered ceasefire framework.
According to Lebanon’s National News Agency (NNA), one person was killed in an air raid on the town of Maarakeh in the Tyre district. In a separate incident, the mayor of Ar-Rihan municipality, Ali Badie, was killed in an Israeli strike in the Jezzine district.
Additional fatalities were reported in the Nabatieh district, where three people died in strikes on Deir al-Zahrani and Kafr Reman. Several other towns and villages in southern Lebanon were also targeted in continued bombardments.
The Israeli military carried out further attacks that reportedly destroyed residential buildings and government facilities in parts of Bint Jbeil. Additional strikes later hit areas including Bir Ayshiyeh, Rmeish, Khirbet Selm, Qana, Bazouriyeh, Rashkananiyeh, and other locations across Tyre, Nabatieh, and Sidon districts.
Alongside the airstrikes, the Israeli military issued urgent evacuation orders for residents in 24 towns and villages, instructing civilians to leave their homes immediately and relocate north of the Zahrani River. The directive covers several communities across Nabatieh, Jezzine, and surrounding areas.
The displacement warnings have heightened concern among civilians already affected by months of conflict, as many residents were forced to flee their homes amid ongoing military operations.
The Israeli army also reported activating air raid alerts in northern Israel following what it described as a suspected aerial incursion from Lebanon, though it did not directly name Hezbollah in its statement. It further claimed responsibility for striking dozens of Hezbollah-related targets and eliminating several fighters in recent operations.
Meanwhile, the Lebanese army said one of its soldiers was seriously injured after being hit during Israeli fire while travelling on a road in southern Lebanon.
The escalation comes as regional diplomacy continues, including reported efforts by the United States and Iran to advance a broader peace framework. However, analysts warn that continued hostilities in Lebanon could undermine those negotiations, particularly as Israel is not directly involved in the talks and has signalled it will continue its military operations.
Despite a previously announced ceasefire arrangement intended to reduce hostilities, fighting on the ground has persisted, with repeated air raids and artillery exchanges reported across southern Lebanon.
Health authorities in Lebanon say thousands have been killed or injured since the latest escalation began earlier in the year, underscoring the growing humanitarian toll of the conflict.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has described the situation as a “fateful juncture” for the country, urging national unity and warning that Lebanon faces a choice between strengthened state authority and continued instability driven by armed groups.
