Israeli Airstrikes Target Lebanon as Ceasefire Tensions Escalate

Israel launched a series of airstrikes in Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley on Friday, targeting what it claims were Hezbollah infrastructure and weapons smuggling routes, Al Jazeera reports.

The move marks a significant breach of a fragile ceasefire agreement, escalating tensions in the region.

The Israeli military stated that the overnight attacks struck “multiple” Hezbollah targets near the Syrian border, including sites allegedly used for “developing and manufacturing weaponry” and areas used for “smuggling weaponry into Lebanon.” The strikes come as Israel continues to defy deadlines for withdrawing its troops from Lebanon, a key component of the ceasefire agreement brokered last November.

Under the terms of the agreement, Israel was initially obligated to complete its troop withdrawal by January 26, a deadline that was later extended to February 18. However, Israel has refused to adhere to the timelines, asserting that the Lebanese army has not upheld its responsibility to deploy in the south while Hezbollah pulls back its forces north of the Litani River, approximately 30km from the border.

The escalation in violence follows a troubling pattern of casualties in Lebanon. According to data from Lebanon’s Ministry of Public Health, at least 83 people have been killed in Lebanon in the two months between November 27 and Monday. In addition, at least 228 individuals have been injured as displaced residents attempted to return to their homes in villages where Israeli soldiers remain stationed. Earlier this week, Israeli forces were also accused of killing at least 24 people in southern Lebanon, as many tried to go back to their homes.

Lebanese media have reported repeated violations of the ceasefire by the Israeli military, including attacks on towns like Taybeh and the village of Kfar Kila, both situated on the border with Israel. A recent drone attack on Wednesday in the southern town of Majdal Selem injured at least five people, according to Reuters.

The violence since the conflict began on October 8, 2023, is particularly stark. From the beginning of the conflict to November 26, 2024, Israeli forces have killed at least 3,961 people across Lebanon and injured more than 16,520.