Israel Escalates Strikes on Hezbollah Positions as Ceasefire Frays
Tensions soared as Israel launched another series of strikes against Hezbollah strongholds in Lebanon late Saturday. This action followed the interception of rockets fired from Lebanese territory, raising concerns about the imminent collapse of the already fragile ceasefire.
Casualties Reported in Southern Lebanon
According to the Lebanese Health Ministry, Israeli airstrikes on Saturday resulted in the deaths of six individuals, including a child. An additional 31 people sustained injuries across southern and eastern regions of Lebanon.
Successive Waves of Israeli Air Raids
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) initiated an initial air raid in response to rocket launches targeting Metula, a northern Israeli town. Subsequently, Israeli warplanes executed a second wave of strikes later that evening, intensifying the military response.
Heaviest Exchange of Fire in Months
This renewed surge in violence represents the most intense exchange of fire witnessed since the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah was established in November, signaling a significant escalation in cross-border hostilities.
Extensive Israeli Military Activity
Lebanese security sources reported approximately 80 Israeli strikes carried out throughout the day, indicating a widespread and sustained military operation.
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IDF Claims Targeting of Hezbollah Infrastructure
Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee stated on social media platform X that the IDF targeted “command centers, terrorist infrastructure, terrorist operatives, missile launchers, and a weapons depot” belonging to Hezbollah within Lebanon.
Adraee emphasized the IDF’s commitment to continuing airstrikes as deemed necessary to safeguard Israeli citizens.
Rocket Fire Towards Northern Israel
Earlier on Saturday morning, the IDF reported that six rockets were launched from Lebanon towards Metula. While no injuries or property damage occurred, the IDF confirmed that all rockets were either intercepted or fell short of their intended targets.
Hezbollah Denies Rocket Launch Responsibility
Hezbollah refuted any involvement in the rocket fire. In a released statement, the group dismissed Israeli claims as “pretexts to justify its ongoing aggression against Lebanon,” asserting that such aggression had persisted despite the declared ceasefire.
Conflicting Accounts on Ceasefire Violations
While Hezbollah denies initiating attacks, Lebanese security sources suggested to news agency dpa that Hezbollah had indeed launched its first attacks against Israel since the ceasefire commenced, indicating a break in the truce.
Security sources further indicated that Israel retaliated with artillery fire directed at Yohmor village and the al-Hamames hills, located across the border from Metula.
Residents in the affected areas confirmed hearing loud explosions as a result of the artillery exchange.
Lebanon’s National News Agency (NNA) subsequently reported Israeli fighter jets in action, alongside artillery, tank, and machine gun fire in multiple locations.
Ceasefire Under Severe Strain
These escalating hostilities pose a significant threat to the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, which has been in effect for nearly four months. The current fighting jeopardizes the fragile truce and raises concerns about a return to wider conflict.
This agreement had temporarily halted over a year of intense cross-border attacks between Israel and the Iranian-backed Hezbollah, which had intensified following the Israeli ground operation in southern Lebanon in October.
Lebanese PM Warns of “New War”
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam cautioned that renewed Israeli operations in southern Lebanon could potentially engulf the nation in a “new war.”
The UN observer mission UNIFIL echoed these concerns, noting that “the fragile stability observed in recent months” is now at serious risk due to the escalating violence along the border region. UNIFIL reported that four projectiles were fired at Israel in the morning, “triggering immediate retaliation by the IDF.”
Lebanese Military Dismantles Rocket Launch Structures
The Lebanese military announced the discovery and dismantling of three rudimentary wooden structures in southern Lebanon, designed for launching rockets. This discovery suggests potential efforts to initiate further attacks.
Hezbollah Affirms Ceasefire Commitment
Despite the recent exchanges, Hezbollah reiterated its commitment to the ceasefire agreement with Israel and expressed its support for the Lebanese state in addressing what it termed a severe Israeli escalation against Lebanon.
Context of Broader Conflict
The ongoing conflict is contextualized by the October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel by Hamas and the subsequent war in Gaza. Hezbollah has stated that its attacks are in solidarity with the Palestinian cause.
Earlier this week, Israel also resumed extensive airstrikes and ground operations within Gaza, citing stalled negotiations with Hamas regarding the expansion of a ceasefire that had been in place since January 19. This resumption of fighting in Gaza further complicates regional stability.
Hundreds of Gazan lives have been lost since the renewed fighting began on Tuesday, effectively ending the previous temporary ceasefire agreement in that region as well.
Concerns over Continued Israeli Presence
A point of contention remains the continued Israeli military presence in southern Lebanon. Under the ceasefire terms with Hezbollah, Israeli forces were expected to fully withdraw from the region. However, five military posts remain near the border with Israel.
The Lebanese government in Beirut considers this continued presence a violation of the ceasefire agreement, adding another layer of complexity to the already tense situation.
According to NNA, Prime Minister Salam contacted UN official Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert to urge the United Nations to intensify international pressure on Israel to ensure complete withdrawal from “occupied Lebanese territories,” highlighting the ongoing diplomatic efforts to resolve the situation.