Australia confirmed today, Thursday, the death of two of its citizens in an Israeli airstrike in southern Lebanon and stated that it is investigating claims by Hezbollah that one of them was linked to the militant group. Acting Foreign Minister Mark Dreyfus said at a press conference, "We will continue to investigate this specific individual that Hezbollah has claimed is connected to them." He added, "Hezbollah has announced that this Australian is one of its fighters. Our investigations are ongoing." Dreyfus pointed out that Hezbollah is a "listed terrorist organization" in Australia, and providing financial support to it or fighting alongside it is a crime for any Australian.
Security and local sources told Reuters on Wednesday that an Israeli airstrike on a residential area in southern Lebanon resulted in the deaths of a Lebanese-Australian man, his wife, and his brother, who belonged to Hezbollah. The strike occurred late Tuesday night amid escalating tensions in the border area between Israeli forces and Hezbollah. The strike hit a house in the town of Bint Jbeil, where the Iranian-backed Hezbollah group has significant support. Dreyfus stated that the Australian government has been in contact with Israel regarding the strike but declined to disclose what was discussed. He urged Australians in Lebanon to leave the country as commercial flight options remain available.
