Israel Launches Intense Airstrikes on Southern Lebanon Targets

The Israeli military executed a series of airstrikes in southern Lebanon on Thursday, targeting locations it identified as associated with Hezbollah’s military infrastructure. This operation aimed to thwart what Israel claims is an ongoing effort by Hezbollah to rearm. The strikes occurred shortly after evacuation warnings were issued to residents of the affected towns, including Kfar Dounine, Tayr Debba, and Zawtar al-Sharqiya. At the time of publication, no casualties had been reported.

Despite a ceasefire agreement reached nearly a year ago, which was intended to halt hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, these airstrikes highlight the ongoing tensions in the region. The ceasefire, signed in December 2024, mandated that Hezbollah disarm and that both parties cease fire against one another. While Israel is still positioned in five locations within Lebanon, reports suggest that the intensity of Thursday’s strikes was notable, particularly as they followed direct warnings to civilians.

Prior to the airstrikes, an Israeli military spokesperson published maps detailing the buildings designated for attack, urging residents to maintain a distance of at least 500 metres from these sites. The spokesperson contended that the targeted structures were integral to Hezbollah’s military capabilities.

In a related development, Hezbollah had sent an open letter to Lebanese leadership just hours before the strikes. In this communication, the group reaffirmed its commitment to the ceasefire but insisted on its “legitimate right” to resist what it termed “Israeli occupation.” Since the ceasefire was established, Hezbollah has engaged in military action against Israel only once. The group has voiced its support for the Lebanese army but has criticized the prospect of direct negotiations with Israel, which was recently suggested by Joseph Aoun, Lebanon’s president.

Israeli officials, including government spokesperson Shosh Bedrosian, have accused Hezbollah of attempting to rebuild its military strength after suffering significant losses during the previous conflict. Bedrosian stated, “Israel will continue to defend all of its borders, and we continue also to insist on the full enforcement of the ceasefire agreement between Lebanon and Israel.” The Israeli government has made it clear that it will not permit Hezbollah to regain its military capabilities.

The Lebanese government, on the other hand, has committed to disarming Hezbollah and ensuring that the state maintains a monopoly on weapons. Officials have claimed to have disarmed approximately 85% of Hezbollah’s weapon caches in southern Lebanon, with aspirations to achieve complete disarmament by the end of the year. Nevertheless, the Lebanese government has expressed concerns that accelerating this process could provoke internal civil unrest.

The situation remains delicate, with both sides under pressure to adhere to the terms of the ceasefire while managing their respective security concerns. The international community continues to monitor developments closely, underscoring the importance of maintaining stability in this volatile region.