By Ahmed J Versi
London, (The Muslim News): Ten people, including three members of the Lebanese Army, were killed on Saturday in continued Israeli strikes across Lebanon despite a truce that has been in effect since April 17. Israel is occupying one-fifth of Lebanon and displaced one-quarter of the Lebanese population.
An Israeli airstrike targeted a military vehicle on the Kfartebnit–Khardali road in Nabatieh, southern Lebanon, killing two Lebanese Army officers—a brigadier general and a captain—as well as a soldier, according to a statement posted by the Lebanese Army on X.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned the attack “in the strongest terms,” according to a statement issued by the presidency on X.
Aoun described the strike as “a flagrant violation of Lebanese sovereignty” and called on the international community to “put an end to these repeated attacks.”
The Israeli military acknowledged carrying out the strike, claiming that “the vehicle was traveling through an active combat zone that had been evacuated.”
In a separate incident, Lebanon’s National News Agency reported that six civilians were killed and four others injured when an Israeli airstrike targeted the town of Saksakiyeh in the Sidon district of southern Lebanon.
Another person was killed in a drone strike targeting a vehicle on the highway in Deir al-Zahrani in the Nabatieh district, the agency added.
Israel has continued military operations in Lebanon despite the fragile ceasefire and ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at preserving it and preventing further escalation.
According to Lebanese officials, more than 3,550 people have been killed and over 10,800 injured in Israeli attacks in Lebanon since March 2.
Separately, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi criticized President Aoun over comments regarding Tehran’s role in Lebanon.
In a post on X, Araghchi said Aoun’s remarks created the impression that Iran, rather than another actor, was responsible for Lebanon’s current challenges.
“Based on Mr. Aoun’s comments, one would think it’s Iran that has occupied one-fifth of Lebanon, displaced one-quarter of the Lebanese population, and is bombing his country on a daily basis,” he wrote.
Araghchi also rejected the suggestion that Lebanon was being used by Tehran as leverage in negotiations.
“Had Lebanon been a bargaining chip for Iran, we would have had a deal long ago,” he said.
He concluded by urging the Lebanese president to focus on what he described as Beirut’s “real foe.”
The remarks came in response to comments made by Aoun during an interview with CNN, in which the Lebanese president discussed Iran and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
The exchange highlights growing public differences between Beirut and Tehran over regional developments and Lebanon’s position amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
The Lebanese brigadier general killed in the Israeli strike was well known to Israeli officials due to his role on the Mechanism Committee, which coordinated with both Israeli and American counterparts. As a result, he was a familiar figure to Israel. His killing came shortly before the Lebanese Army chief of staff’s scheduled visit to Islamabad.
Six Palestinians killed by Israeli forces in Gaza
Meanwhile, at least six Palestinians were killed and 10 others, including children, were injured on Saturday when an Israeli drone strike hit a tent sheltering displaced civilians in Gaza City, according to medical sources.
The strike targeted a tent in the Al-Rimal neighborhood west of Gaza City, destroying it and damaging nearby shelters, witnesses told Anadolu Agency.
Medical sources said six people were killed and 10 others injured in the attack.
The Israeli military did not immediately comment on the incident.
The attack came amid continued Israeli violations of the ceasefire agreement that took effect on Oct. 10, according to Palestinian authorities.
Since the ceasefire entered into force, at least 951 Palestinians have been killed and 2,984 others injured in near-daily Israeli attacks, according to Palestinian figures.
US attacks Iranian surveillance radar sites
Separately, Iran’s Foreign Ministry on Saturday condemned US strikes on radar and coastal surveillance facilities in the southern Sirik region and on Qeshm Island, describing them as a clear violation of the April 8 ceasefire agreement and an act of aggression against the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
In a statement, the ministry said the facilities targeted in the early hours of Saturday were responsible for protecting Iran’s borders and ensuring the security of international shipping routes.
It said the attacks formed part of Washington’s continued hostile and provocative actions against Iran and reflected what it described as disregard for international law and the UN Charter.
The ministry said Iran’s armed forces responded to the strikes within the framework of the country’s right to self-defense and thwarted the objectives of the attack.
According to the statement, repeated US violations of the ceasefire demonstrate Washington’s lack of commitment to reducing tensions and restoring stability. The ministry warned that the United States would bear responsibility for the consequences of its actions and any further escalation.
Reaffirming Iran’s right to self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter, the ministry said Tehran would use all available means to defend its sovereignty, security, and national interests.
The ministry also called on regional countries to adhere to the principle of good neighborliness and refrain from allowing their territories or facilities to be used to plan or carry out hostile actions against Iran.
It further urged the UN secretary-general, the UN Security Council, and other international bodies to respond to what it described as ongoing ceasefire violations and unlawful US actions and to prevent further threats to regional and international peace and security.
Earlier on Saturday, US Central Command (CENTCOM) said it had struck coastal surveillance radar sites in Sirik and on Qeshm Island following attacks targeting the Strait of Hormuz and Gulf countries.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) later announced that US military bases in the region had been targeted with missiles in response to the strikes.
Main beneficiaries of Strait of Hormuz have been US oil companies at economic conference in St Petersburg
Meanwhile, the main beneficiaries of the Strait of Hormuz crisis have been US oil companies, which gained “non-competitive advantages” and opportunities to sell supplies at higher prices, Rosneft CEO Igor Sechin said on Saturday.
Speaking at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, Sechin said US hydrocarbon exports were “breaking all records.”
Citing estimates by Norwegian consultancy Rystad Energy, he said US oil and gas companies could earn more than $60 billion in additional profits in 2026 if oil prices remain around $100 per barrel.
“Additional tax revenues from the sector could amount to about $80 billion,” he added.
US intel reports concerned abut espionage threat from Israel
Separately, recent US intelligence reports have raised concerns about a “growing espionage threat” from Israel as Washington negotiates with Iran, The New York Times reported on Saturday, citing US officials.
While the United States and Israel have long tolerated mutual intelligence gathering, some American officials believe Israel’s intensified efforts to collect information on US positions in the Iran talks have “crossed a line,” according to the report.
The reports indicate increased Israeli surveillance of senior US officials, including President Donald Trump’s chief negotiator Steve Witkoff, Pentagon policy chief Elbridge A. Colby, and his deputy Michael P. DiMino IV.
A separate Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) report raised Israel’s counterintelligence threat level from “high” to “critical,” citing efforts to spy on US military personnel and government officials.
The concerns come amid unprecedented military cooperation between the two countries in their campaign against Iran.
Although Washington shares extensive tactical and operational intelligence with Israel, US officials believe Israel is seeking deeper insight into the Trump administration’s negotiating strategy and evolving positions on the talks.
The warning could complicate future military integration if the Pentagon moves to restrict information-sharing with Israeli officers, the report said.
Tensions already exist as Trump pursues diplomacy with Iran while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seeks to further weaken Iran, its government, and regional allies such as Hezbollah.
The DIA report followed incidents in which US defense personnel in Israel discovered software allegedly installed on their phones that was capable of intercepting communications.
While the Defense Department declined to comment, a White House official dismissed the allegations as false, and Israel denied spying on US officials or entities.
Current and former US officials noted that Israel has long conducted aggressive intelligence operations against both allies and adversaries.
However, they said Israel now poses a greater counterintelligence concern than any other US ally—and even some adversaries. One senior official described Israeli intelligence-gathering efforts during Trump’s second administration as “unhinged.”
US military personnel working in or alongside Israel are reportedly aware of the risks and follow strict security protocols to protect communications and electronic devices. Despite close cooperation, both countries continue to safeguard their most sensitive information.
[Photo: Relatives of the deceased mourn during the funeral held for Palestinians killed in Israeli attacks carried out in multiple locations, at the Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis, Gaza, Palestine on June 07, 2026. Photojournalist: Abed Rahim Khatib/AA]
