Israel Steps Up Airstrikes in Southern Lebanon Despite Ceasefire
Israel has launched a fresh wave of air attacks across southern Lebanon, striking multiple hills and valleys in what officials claim are Hezbollah military sites. The renewed bombardment marks another significant breach of the year-long ceasefire, further destabilizing the already fragile truce.
Lebanon’s state news agency confirmed strikes in Jezzine, Zahrani, areas surrounding al-Aaichiyeh, and around Jabal al-Rafie—locations chosen largely for being far from densely populated civilian zones.
Israel Targets Hezbollah's Radwan Force Training Sites
According to Israel’s military, the air raids hit compounds used by Hezbollah’s elite Radwan Force. Israel alleges these facilities were used to plan attacks against both Israeli troops and civilians.
Reporting from Beirut, Al Jazeera correspondent Zeina Khodr noted that Israel’s repeated air operations demonstrate that the ceasefire “has become one-sided,” with continued near-daily strikes targeting non-urban areas.
Concerns Rise as UN Warns of Possible War Crimes
Despite Israeli claims that the attacks are defensive, international pressure is mounting.
The United Nations reported in November that at least 127 civilians, including children, have been killed in Lebanon since the 2024 ceasefire began. UN officials warned these repeated violations may constitute war crimes.
A Strategy of Pressure: Forcing Hezbollah to Disarm
Analysts say Israel’s military campaign aims to coerce Hezbollah into surrendering its strategic weapons, including long-range missiles, precision-guided munitions, and drones believed to be stored in the Bekaa Valley.
However, Hezbollah insists it will not disarm while Israel continues to strike and occupy parts of Lebanon.
“Hezbollah sees disarmament as surrender,” Khodr explained. “And Israel’s air superiority leaves Lebanon at a significant disadvantage.”
Tension Peaks After Israeli Strike Kills Hezbollah Commander
The situation escalated further when Israel assassinated senior Hezbollah commander Haytham Ali Tabatabai in a strike on Beirut’s southern suburbs. Hezbollah has vowed to retaliate “at the right time,” raising fears of broader conflict.
Diplomacy Attempts Gain Traction—But Progress Is Fragile
In a rare step, Lebanon and Israel have recently sent civilian envoys to a ceasefire monitoring committee for the first time in decades. Lebanese leaders hope diplomatic engagement can prevent a slide into full-scale war.
Yet Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem criticized Lebanon’s participation, calling it a “free concession” to Israel.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam say negotiations are essential to stop Israeli attacks and implement a stronger monitoring system.
But according to US ambassador Michel Issa, dialogue alone will not halt Israeli operations—highlighting a complicated, uncertain path forward.