Israeli fighter jets conducted airstrikes in multiple towns located in the southern region of Lebanon on Thursday, marking a significant increase in their frequent attacks on the country. The airstrikes occurred despite a ceasefire agreement that was put into effect in November 2024. This escalation followed Hezbollah’s warning to the Lebanese government against engaging in negotiations with Israel.
Residents living in Tayba, Tayr Debba, and Aita al-Jabal were advised by Israeli spokesperson Avichay Adraee to evacuate from residential buildings within 500 meters of the specified targets, which were allegedly being utilized by Hezbollah. Subsequently, warnings were issued for the towns of Zawtar al-Sharqiyah and Kfar Dounin.
Lebanon’s civil defense agency assisted in the evacuation efforts, as reported by the Lebanese state news agency. While most residents managed to vacate the endangered areas before the airstrikes, Lebanon’s health ministry confirmed one individual sustained injuries. Earlier airstrikes conducted by Israel on the same day resulted in one fatality, according to official reports.
The Israeli military stated that their targets in the designated areas were military installations belonging to Hezbollah, including “weapons storage facilities” situated within civilian-populated zones. The military accused the militant group of rebuilding its military capabilities nearly a year after the ceasefire brokered by the United States came into effect.
Hezbollah refrained from launching attacks on Israel since the ceasefire agreement was implemented last year. The ongoing conflict has resulted in over 270 fatalities and approximately 850 injuries from Israeli military actions, according to Lebanon’s health ministry. The UN human rights office confirmed that 107 of those killed were civilians or noncombatants as of October 9.
Israeli government spokesperson Shosh Bedrosian reiterated Israel’s commitment to safeguarding its borders and emphasized the importance of enforcing the ceasefire agreement between Lebanon and Israel. The airstrikes conducted on Thursday destroyed an ironworks business in the town of Abbasiyeh, impacting several households supported by the business.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun expressed concerns over the continuous Israeli aggression following Lebanon’s willingness to engage in peaceful negotiations. The Lebanese government, led by Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, convened in Beirut to review a strategy devised by the military to disarm Hezbollah and other non-state armed groups in the country.
President Aoun criticized Israel’s military activities and presence on specific Lebanese territories. Despite expressing openness to negotiations with Israel to de-escalate tensions, Aoun highlighted the challenges posed by Israel’s actions that undermine the prospects for a negotiated settlement between the two nations.
Hezbollah, a formidable group with both military and political wings, asserted its right to resist Israeli occupation and pledged support to the Lebanese army. While acknowledging the ceasefire agreement binding Lebanon, Hezbollah emphasized its stance against engaging in political discussions with Israel.
The group’s military capabilities were significantly impacted by Israel’s extensive air campaign in Lebanon in 2024. However, Hezbollah’s leadership remains resolute in its readiness to combat, regardless of the limitations on its capabilities. Lebanese security officials indicated progress in disarming southern Lebanon of unauthorized arms, with plans to achieve full control by the end of the year.
Furthermore, the U.S. Treasury announced new sanctions targeting financial operatives facilitating the movement of funds from Iran to Hezbollah. Both sides have accused each other of violating the ceasefire agreement that formally ended the latest Israel-Hezbollah conflict, which was ignited by a Hamas-led attack on Israel in October 2023, escalating into a full-scale war by September 2024.
