Dozens of Strikes Hit Region in Most Intense Bombardment Since Last Year’s Ceasefire
BEIRUT – Israel launched one of its most intensive aerial campaigns in southern Lebanon since the end of last year’s conflict with Hezbollah, conducting dozens of airstrikes on Thursday that sent thick columns of smoke rising from hilltops in the Nabatieh region.
The Israeli military stated it had targeted a Hezbollah “infrastructure site” in southern Lebanon, approximately 12 kilometers (8 miles) from the Israeli border. Lebanon’s Health Ministry reported at least one person killed and eight others wounded in the bombardment.
“This appears to be the heaviest series of strikes in the region since the implementation of the ceasefire agreement,” said a Lebanese security official who requested anonymity because they weren’t authorized to speak publicly.
The escalation comes amid mutual accusations of ceasefire violations between the two sides. Under the U.S.-brokered agreement that ended last year’s devastating conflict, Hezbollah and other armed groups are prohibited from maintaining weapons in areas south of the Litani River, which flows approximately 20 kilometers (12 miles) north of the Israeli border.
Hezbollah has not immediately commented on Thursday’s strikes. The group’s leader Naim Qassem has previously insisted they have withdrawn all forces from southern Lebanon in compliance with the truce terms, stating, “We have no more weapons in south Lebanon.”
Israel, which inflicted significant damage on Hezbollah during last year’s war—killing thousands of fighters, destroying much of its arsenal, and eliminating top leaders including Hassan Nasrallah—has continued regular military operations in Lebanon despite the ceasefire.
Lebanese authorities have accused Israel of failing to fully implement its side of the agreement, noting that Israeli troops still occupy five strategic hilltops in southern Lebanon. Meanwhile, Israel has pointed to two rocket attacks launched from Lebanese territory since the ceasefire began, though Hezbollah has denied involvement.
Lebanese security forces have detained several Palestinian militants, including Hamas members, accused of firing rockets toward Israel from Lebanon on two separate occasions since the truce took effect. Both incidents prompted Israeli retaliatory airstrikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs, a Hezbollah stronghold.
The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah escalated dramatically last year after the Iran-backed group opened fire in solidarity with Hamas following the outbreak of war in Gaza. International observers remain concerned that continued violations of the fragile ceasefire could potentially reignite a full-scale conflict between the two sides.
“The international community must pressure both parties to fully respect the terms of the ceasefire agreement,” said a diplomatic source in Beirut. “Another war would be catastrophic for the entire region.”
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