Israel Launches Airstrikes on Southern Lebanon Amid Rising Tensions with Hezbollah

Israel conducted heavy airstrikes on southern Lebanon on Thursday, targeting areas where it claims Hezbollah is rebuilding its military presence. The strikes followed evacuation orders issued by the Israeli military for several towns, including Aita al-Jabal, Al-Tayyiba, and Tayr Debba, despite a ceasefire deal signed a year ago intended to end more than a year of hostilities between Israel and the Iran-backed group.

According to Lebanon’s health ministry, one person was killed and another wounded during the bombings. The evacuation orders, shared by Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee on X, instructed residents to remain at least 500 meters away from designated zones. Lebanese civil defence units assisted civilians in leaving the affected areas before the airstrikes began roughly an hour later, sending thick smoke over the border region.

The Israeli government stated the strikes were aimed at preventing Hezbollah from regaining its military strength destroyed during the 2023–24 conflict. Government spokesperson Shosh Bedrosian emphasized Israel’s commitment to defending its borders and enforcing the ceasefire, asserting that Hezbollah’s rearmament violates the truce terms.

Hezbollah, while reaffirming its adherence to the ceasefire, insisted on its “legitimate right” to resist Israel and denied interfering with Lebanese army disarmament efforts. Meanwhile, the U.N. Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) condemned the airstrikes as “clear violations” of U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701, urging both sides to avoid actions that could escalate the conflict.

Lebanon’s army also denounced the attacks, calling them an attempt to “undermine Lebanon’s stability.” The strikes destroyed several civilian structures, including an ironworks shop in Abbasiyeh. Its owner, Ahmad al-Kayyal, lamented the loss, saying the small business supported multiple families.

Tensions remain high as Israeli officials warn of renewed military action if Hezbollah continues to operate in the south, raising fears of another full-scale confrontation between the two sides.