Tensions escalated in southern Lebanon over the weekend as a series of Israeli strikes resulted in one death and multiple injuries, raising concerns about the fragile ceasefire established between Israel and the militant group Hezbollah.
The Lebanese health ministry reported that an Israeli drone targeted a vehicle in the town of Bint Jbeil, leading to one fatality and two injuries. The drone strike highlights ongoing volatile conditions despite an agreement reached to halt hostilities that had lasted for over a year. In a statement, the Israeli military claimed responsibility for striking and eliminating an operative from Hezbollah’s elite Radwan force in the area, prompting further fears of an intensified conflict.
In addition to the initial strike in Bint Jbeil, reports indicated that another drone attack on a different vehicle in the same town left one person wounded. Nearby in Shaqra, two individuals were reported to be in serious condition following a drone attack on another vehicle. Another strike targeted Shebaa, injuring one person and reportedly hitting a residential house, emphasizing the widespread nature of the attacks across southern Lebanon.
These strikes come on the heels of a previous incident on Thursday, where an Israeli military action in Beirut resulted in one fatality and additional injuries to three others, identifying the target as a “terrorist” linked to Iran. This pattern of drone strikes has persisted despite the ceasefire deal, which sought to establish peace after two months of intense warfare that severely undercut Hezbollah’s capabilities.
Under the terms of the ceasefire, Hezbollah was supposed to reposition its fighters north of the Litani River—approximately 20 miles from the Israeli border—allowing Lebanese armed forces and United Nations peacekeepers to maintain order in the region. Conversely, Israel was meant to withdraw its forces from various strategic locations within Lebanon, a commitment it has yet to fully realize.
Israeli officials have reiterated their stance on continuing military operations against Hezbollah until the group is dismantled, indicating that the recent violence may mark a troubling shift back towards conflict in a region already fraught with instability. As a result, observers are closely monitoring the situation, fearing that a return to large-scale hostilities could erupt if tensions remain unresolved.
