Israeli jets hit three towns in Lebanon, despite a year-old ceasefire. Officials say the attacks are meant to stop Hezbollah from rearming.
On Thursday, the Israeli military launched airstrikes across southern Lebanon, targeting what it called Hezbollah military sites, even though a ceasefire between the two sides has been in place for nearly a year.
Israeli defense officials said warplanes struck Kfar Dounine, Tayr Debba, and Zawtar al-Sharqiya about an hour after the army warned residents to evacuate. No casualties were reported at the time.
Israeli officials said the strikes are part of ongoing efforts to “prevent Hezbollah from rearming and rebuilding its military infrastructure.” They warned that the group still poses a threat along the northern border.
Ceasefire Strained by Renewed Tensions
These airstrikes are among the most intense Israeli operations in recent months. They come despite a ceasefire deal from December 2024 that ended 13 months of cross-border fighting.
Under that agreement, Hezbollah was to disarm, Israel was to withdraw from Lebanese territory, and both parties were expected to halt all offensive operations.
However, Israel still controls five key positions inside Lebanon, which remains a source of tension and has strained the fragile peace.
A few hours before the airstrikes, the Israeli military shared maps of the planned targets and told civilians to move at least 500 meters away from those buildings. Officials said the buildings were used by Hezbollah for storing weapons and logistics.
Hezbollah Reaffirms Commitment, but with Conditions
Earlier in the day, Hezbollah sent an open letter to Lebanon’s political leaders. In it, the group repeated its commitment to the ceasefire but stressed its “legitimate right to resist the Israeli occupation.”
Regional monitors say Hezbollah has carried out only one cross-border attack since the truce was signed. The group has also supported the Lebanese army but rejected direct talks with Israel, an idea recently suggested by President Joseph Aoun.
Israel Vows to Enforce the Ceasefire
In response to criticism, Israeli government spokesperson Shosh Bedrosian said Israel will “continue to defend all of its borders” and push for “full enforcement of the ceasefire agreement.”
“Israel will not allow Hezbollah to rebuild its military strength,” Bedrosian told reporters. “We remain committed to protecting our citizens and ensuring the agreement is implemented in full.”
Israeli intelligence officials have accused Hezbollah of rebuilding weapons caches in southern Lebanon, but Hezbollah has not responded to these claims.
Lebanon’s Disarmament Efforts Continue
Lebanon’s government says it is actively working to disarm Hezbollah as required by the ceasefire. Officials claim that 85% of the group’s known weapons in southern Lebanon have been dismantled, and they expect full disarmament by the end of the year.
However, the government warned that moving too fast could cause instability at home. They are concerned about renewed sectarian violence if Hezbollah supporters resist disarmament.
With tensions rising again along the Israel-Lebanon border, international observers warn that more military action could threaten the fragile ceasefire and possibly lead to renewed conflict in the region.