Israeli warplanes carried out airstrikes in multiple towns in southern Lebanon, escalating their frequent attacks on the nation. These strikes occurred despite a ceasefire established in November 2024, following Hezbollah’s call on the Lebanese government to refrain from engaging in negotiations with Israel.
Residents in Tayba, Tayr Debba, and Aita al-Jabal were advised by Israeli spokesperson Avichay Adraee to evacuate 500 meters from targeted residential buildings suspected of being utilized by Hezbollah. Subsequently, warnings were issued for Zawtar al-Sharqiyah and Kfar Dounin.
Lebanon’s civil defense assisted in evacuating the areas, with most residents relocating before the airstrikes. Nevertheless, Lebanon’s health ministry reported one individual injured during these incidents. Earlier on Thursday, Israeli attacks resulted in one fatality, as confirmed by the ministry.
The Israeli military stated its airstrikes targeted Hezbollah’s military infrastructure in these zones, including “weapons storage facilities” located within civilian-populated regions. They accused the militant group of strengthening its capabilities nearly a year after the ceasefire brokered by the U.S. came into effect.
Hezbollah refrained from launching attacks on Israel since the ceasefire agreement was implemented.
The strikes on Thursday led to the destruction of an ironworks business in Abbasiyeh, southern Lebanon, impacting several households, according to the business owner, Ahmad al-Kayyal.
Lebanon has seen over 270 fatalities and approximately 850 injuries due to Israeli military actions post-ceasefire, with the U.N. human rights office confirming that 107 of the deceased were civilians or noncombatants. Israeli government spokesperson Shosh Bedrosian reaffirmed their commitment to upholding the ceasefire agreement with Lebanon.
There are growing concerns in Lebanon that Israel might resume extensive aerial bombardments, especially after Israeli authorities warned of actions against Hezbollah unless Lebanon takes steps to disarm the group.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun criticized Israel’s airstrikes and military presence on five hilltop locations within Lebanese territory. Aoun instructed the army to confront any Israeli intrusion into southern Lebanon after a recent fatal incident.
Aoun expressed willingness to engage in negotiations with Israel to ease tensions, a stance opposed by Hezbollah. The group, with both military and political wings, asserted its right to resist Israeli occupation and pledged support to the Lebanese army. Hezbollah emphasized that while bound by the ceasefire, Lebanon was not obligated to partake in political talks with Israel.
Hezbollah’s military capacity suffered significant blows during Israel’s intense air campaign in 2024, but the group remains prepared for conflict, as stated by its leader Sheikh Naim Qassem. Lebanese security officials indicated progress in disarmament efforts, with a target of clearing all arms outside state control from southern Lebanon by year-end.
The U.S. Treasury announced new sanctions targeting financial operatives facilitating fund movements from Iran to Hezbollah. Allegedly, these operatives exploit Lebanon’s cash-based economy for illicit money laundering.
Both sides accused the other of ceasefire violations, culminating in the latest Israel-Hezbollah war that initiated after Hamas-led attacks on Israel in 2023. The conflict escalated into a full-scale war in September 2024 following a series of exchanges between the two parties.
The situation remains tense, with Lebanon open to talks while facing ongoing Israeli hostilities and Hezbollah’s resistance to negotiations.