Amid 'Summit Contact' Possibility... Israeli Airstrikes in Lebanon Leave 11 Dead

Yonhap News

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Amid rising speculation about the possibility of the first direct contact between the leaders of Israel and Lebanon, the Israeli military continued large-scale airstrikes targeting southeastern Lebanon.

According to Yonhap News and foreign media on April 16, the Israeli military concentrated its attacks on the southern Nabatieh and Qasmiyeh regions that day. These strikes resulted in the deaths of at least 11 people, including women and children, and left dozens injured.

In particular, the complete destruction of the Qasmiyeh Bridge over the Litani River is being cited as a major loss. This bridge, located about 30 kilometers north of the Israeli border, was reportedly the last route connecting southern Lebanon to other regions.

A Lebanese security official stated that with the complete destruction of the last bridge connecting the south to the rest of the country, restoration is virtually impossible.

Israel had already struck this bridge last month, claiming at the time that Hezbollah was using it to transport weapons and personnel.

The airstrikes expanded to eastern Lebanon on the same day. On the Dar al-Baydar road in the mountainous area east of Beirut, a vehicle was hit and destroyed, resulting in the death of one person.

Immediately following the airstrikes, the main highway connecting Beirut and Damascus in Syria was completely closed. This road has also long been suspected of serving as a supply route for Hezbollah.

This series of airstrikes occurred as reports emerged that, under U.S. mediation, a "three-way phone summit" was being promoted between the leaders of Israel and Lebanon.

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