Israel Expands Airstrikes in Lebanon as Ceasefire Tensions Rise
Israel launched a new series of air attacks on southern Lebanon, increasing pressure on a fragile U.S.-brokered ceasefire with Hezbollah. Lebanese state media reported that the strikes damaged several homes, fueling public anger over repeated violations of the truce, which was signed last year.
Multiple Areas Targeted in Overnight Strikes
Lebanon’s National News Agency said Israeli jets hit multiple locations late on Monday, including Mount Safi, the town of Jbaa, the Zefta Valley, and areas between Azza and Rumin Arki. The report described the attacks as happening in “several waves.”
Authorities did not immediately confirm any casualties.
Israel Claims Attacks Targeted Hezbollah Facilities
In a statement on X, the Israeli military said it struck several Hezbollah-linked positions. These included a special operations training site used by the group’s elite Radwan Force, along with several buildings and a rocket-launching area.
Ceasefire Oversight Talks Underway
The latest strikes come shortly after Israel and Lebanon sent civilian representatives to a military committee responsible for monitoring the ceasefire. The move aligns with months of U.S. pressure urging both countries to expand dialogue.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said on Friday that Lebanon chose the “path of negotiations” to stop continued Israeli attacks.
Ceasefire Under Strain
The ceasefire, arranged by Washington in 2024, ended more than a year of fighting between Israel and Hezbollah. However, Israel has kept up near-daily strikes in Lebanon, raising concerns about the truce’s stability.
UN Warns of Civilian Deaths and Possible War Crimes
A United Nations report released in November said Israeli attacks have killed at least 127 civilians in Lebanon since the ceasefire began, including several children. UN officials warned that the repeated strikes may constitute “war crimes.”
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