Israel Strikes Lebanon Amid Fragile Ceasefire Breakdown

Israel launched a series of airstrikes on southern Lebanon on Saturday following the firing of rockets into northern Israel.

Photo by Rabih Daher / AFP via Getty images

The attacks mark the most severe violence since a U.S.- and French-brokered ceasefire took effect in November, ending over a year of conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) reported targeting numerous sites linked to Hezbollah, including rocket launchers, command centers, and weapons depots.

According to Lebanon's Health Ministry, the strikes resulted in seven fatalities, including a child, and left 40 others injured. The attacks also extended to areas such as Tyre and Touline, with significant destruction reported.

The rocket fire from Lebanon, which targeted the Israeli town of Metula, was intercepted by Israeli air defenses, causing no casualties.

Hezbollah denied involvement in the attack and reiterated its commitment to the ceasefire. The Lebanese military dismantled three rudimentary rocket launchers in the south and announced an investigation into the incident.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned the violence, warning against attempts to "drag Lebanon into a cycle of war." Prime Minister Nawaf Salam echoed these concerns, stating that renewed hostilities could lead to "catastrophic consequences" for the nation.

The UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) expressed alarm over the escalation and urged both sides to uphold their commitments under the ceasefire agreement.

The ceasefire, established in November 2024, required Hezbollah to withdraw its fighters from southern Lebanon while Israel agreed to vacate occupied positions.

However, tensions have persisted due to ongoing Israeli airstrikes on Hezbollah-linked targets and disputes over territorial control. Israel maintains positions on five strategic locations in southern Lebanon, citing security concerns.

Saturday's events highlight the challenges faced by Lebanon's government in asserting control over southern regions traditionally dominated by Hezbollah.

International partners have pressured Lebanon to curb Hezbollah's influence as a condition for receiving aid. Meanwhile, Hezbollah continues to grapple with internal pressures to disarm and provide support to communities devastated by past conflicts.

This latest escalation underscores the fragility of the ceasefire and raises fears of a broader conflict that could destabilize the region further.