Renewed Hostilities in Southern Lebanon
Despite a recently declared ceasefire, several individuals have reportedly been killed in Israeli airstrikes targeting southern Lebanon. These incidents took place within 24 hours of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah.
The Lebanese state news agency has indicated that at least 11 people lost their lives as Israeli warplanes, drones, and artillery struck over a dozen locations, many situated near the city of Nabatieh. The Israeli military stated that its actions targeted "Hezbollah terrorist targets" following Hezbollah's launch of more than 50 projectiles at Israeli forces in southern Lebanon.
International Concerns and Diplomatic Efforts
Washington has expressed criticism regarding Israel's ongoing military operations in Lebanon. Lebanon became involved in the broader US-Iran conflict when Hezbollah initiated rocket attacks into Israel in March, a response to a strike that resulted in the death of Iran's supreme leader. There are fears in Washington that continued tensions between Israel and Lebanon could jeopardize the US peace agreement with Iran, which includes a commitment to cease hostilities on "all fronts," including Lebanon. Tehran has maintained that Lebanon must be an integral part of any comprehensive resolution to the conflict.
US envoy Steve Witkoff is reportedly en route to Switzerland for preliminary discussions with Iran, aiming to solidify the peace agreement.
Statements from Both Sides
The Israeli military has not yet commented on the most recent airstrikes. However, a spokesperson stated on Friday, after the ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah, that Israeli forces would "continue to remove immediate threats."
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has faced internal pressure to persist with military action against Hezbollah, an Iran-backed Shia Muslim political and military organization in Lebanon. Hezbollah has declared that if Israel's incursion into southern Lebanon continues, it will maintain its attacks.
Background to the Conflict
Earlier in the week, the White House criticized the Israeli government's military operation in Lebanon, warning that it risked undermining the peace deal. Conversely, President Donald Trump, speaking near Washington during the unveiling of a new Air Force One jet, commended Netanyahu, referring to him as a "warrior."
The current phase of conflict involving Lebanon escalated in early March when Hezbollah launched rockets and drones into Israel. In response, Israel initiated a bombing campaign across Lebanon and is currently occupying approximately 5% of the country's southern territory. The objective is to push back Hezbollah fighters from Israel's northern border. The conflict has led to the displacement of around one million people, with dozens of communities in the south reportedly destroyed.
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Source: Several reported killed in Israeli strikes on Lebanon despite ceasefire