The Israeli military reported an airstrike on a Hezbollah facility in southern Lebanon on Thursday, claiming it was used to store mid-range rockets. This attack occurred amid accusations from both sides of violating a ceasefire intended to end over a year of conflict.
Israel accused Hezbollah of breaching the ceasefire by attacking vehicles in the southern zone, while Hezbollah’s MP Hassan Fadlallah accused Israel of violating the truce by targeting civilians returning to border villages. The Lebanese army also reported Israeli breaches of the ceasefire on both Wednesday and Thursday.
The fragile truce, brokered by the US and France, aims to end hostilities with a 60-day agreement. The Israeli airstrike near Baysariyah, north of the Litani River, was the first since the ceasefire began. The truce mandates the dismantling of military facilities south of the Litani River, though it does not apply to areas north of the river.
On the same day, Israeli tank fire hit five towns in southern Lebanon, injuring two people. These towns lie within a 2-km radius of the Blue Line, Israel’s declared no-go zone. Israel claimed it responded to suspicious activities and warned of military action for any future breaches of the ceasefire.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed Israel’s readiness for conflict if the truce collapses. Meanwhile, displaced Lebanese families trying to return to their homes faced obstacles due to Israeli forces still stationed in some areas, and a curfew was reinstated south of the Litani River.
The ceasefire represents a significant diplomatic effort to stop the heaviest clashes between Israel and Hezbollah in years. However, broader regional tensions persist, particularly as Israel continues its military operations in Gaza following the October 7 attack by Hamas.
Since October, Israeli strikes on Lebanon have resulted in over 3,900 deaths and 16,500 injuries in Lebanon, while Hezbollah attacks have killed 45 civilians in Israel and the Golan Heights. The truce stipulates a 60-day window for Israeli forces to withdraw from southern Lebanon, with both sides prohibited from offensive actions during this period. However, tensions remain high, and displaced Israelis in northern regions are still unable to return due to the ongoing instability.
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