Israel’s military conducted airstrikes on multiple locations in southern Lebanon on Monday, targeting what it identified as Hezbollah sites in two villages where evacuation warnings had been issued. The offensive comes despite a truce established in November 2024 that aimed to halt a year-long conflict involving two months of intense warfare between Israel and the Iran-backed militant group.
The Israeli military confirmed that it struck several facilities used for storing Hezbollah weapons, asserting these actions were necessary to thwart any attempts by the group to reestablish its military infrastructure. They specifically noted one target was located “in the heart of a civilian area,” accusing Hezbollah of operating within civilian infrastructures.
In tandem with the strikes, the Israeli army had previously sent evacuation alerts to residents in the towns of Kfar Tibnit and Ain Qana, signaling the potential for imminent military action. According to Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency (NNA), there were confirmed strikes on buildings within both towns.
Meanwhile, the Lebanese health ministry reported casualties from the strikes. A missile attack in Ansariyeh reportedly resulted in one death and four injuries. Additionally, another strike in Qleileh also led to four more injuries. The NNA further indicated that Israeli forces targeted vehicles in both areas without prior notification.
The Israeli military claimed responsibility for the death of an operative involved in actions to rebuild Hezbollah’s military strength in Ansariyeh. Lebanon continues to voice protests against these incursions, deeming them violations of the established ceasefire.
In January, Lebanon’s army announced the first phase of its initiative to disarm Hezbollah, focusing on areas south of the Litani River, roughly 30 kilometers from the Israeli border. Israel contends that Hezbollah’s rearming efforts are ongoing and has criticized the progress of Lebanon’s army as inadequate. In contrast, Hezbollah has firmly rejected any demands to disarm.
Since the truce went into effect, reports indicate that over 360 individuals have lost their lives due to Israeli fire in Lebanon, according to various health ministry assessments.
