The Israeli military launched another wave of air strikes on southern Lebanon Thursday, targeting what it claims are Hezbollah military installations in a dramatic escalation that threatens the fragile ceasefire agreed in November 2024.
Israeli warplanes struck multiple locations near the coastal city of Tyre, including the towns of Toura and Aabbasiyyeh, as well as the southern area of Taybeh. The Israeli army claimed it hit members of Hezbollah’s construction unit, vowing to “continue to operate in order to remove any threat to the territory of the state of Israel.” Lebanon’s National News Agency confirmed the raids but reported no immediate casualties. An Israeli warplane was also spotted flying at low altitude over Beirut’s southern suburbs.
The attacks came as Hezbollah issued a firm rejection of direct political negotiations with Israel, stating such talks would “not serve the national interest.” This followed mounting pressure from the United States and Egypt for Lebanon to begin dialogue with Israel.
“We reaffirm our legitimate right to defend ourselves against an enemy that imposes war on our country and does not cease its attacks,” Hezbollah declared, referring to ongoing Israeli air raids despite the ceasefire. The organization accused Israel of exploiting Lebanon’s internal divisions while continuing attacks under the pretext of security operations.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, wanted by the International Criminal Court for war crimes in Gaza, warned last week that Israel could intensify operations in Lebanon. Defence Minister Israel Katz echoed this threat, promising “maximum enforcement will continue and even intensify.”
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned Israel for ramping up attacks after he signaled willingness to discuss de-escalation. Under heavy US pressure, the Lebanese government ordered the army to draft a plan to disarm Hezbollah—a move the group condemned as “hasty” and dangerous.
Last week, Aoun instructed Lebanese forces to confront Israeli incursions after Israeli troops crossed the border and killed a municipal worker during an overnight raid. This marked a significant shift, as Lebanon’s army has generally stayed on the sidelines of the conflict, unlike Hezbollah.
Since the ceasefire, Israel has maintained troops in five areas of southern Lebanon and carried out regular strikes it claims target Hezbollah positions. The situation remains volatile nearly a year after Israel assassinated Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in September 2024.
Under ceasefire terms, Lebanon’s army should disarm Hezbollah in the south by year’s end before expanding operations nationwide. However, Hezbollah refuses to disarm while Israel continues attacks and occupies Lebanese territory.
Lebanon and Israel remain technically at war, with communication limited to a UN-backed monitoring mechanism involving France and the US. The two sides meet separately under UN auspices but do not engage in direct talks, leaving the region trapped in a dangerous cycle of violence and retaliation.
