Israel has conducted airstrikes in Lebanon, targeting various locations in response to a rocket attack, resulting in the deaths of six individuals. This marks the most intense clash since a ceasefire with the militant group Hezbollah came into effect nearly four months ago, raising concerns about the cessation of hostilities. Days earlier, Israel had resumed military operations against Hamas in Gaza, further complicating the regional situation.
In a statement, Hezbollah has denied involvement in the rocket attack and asserted its commitment to the truce. The Israeli military indicated that six rockets were launched towards Metula, a town bordering Lebanon, with three crossing into Israel and being intercepted. Israel’s response included strikes on Hezbollah command centres and rocket launchers.
The Israeli Prime Minister’s office indicated an aggressive approach towards targets in Lebanon, where Hezbollah operates. One strike in the village of Touline resulted in five deaths, including a child, and injured ten others. Another strike in Tyre killed one person and injured seven. This escalation represents the first major attack on Tyre since the ceasefire began.
Lebanon’s Prime Minister, Nawaf Salam, has called upon the military to take necessary actions in the south but expressed a desire to avoid a return to war. Despite this, Israel has continued its strikes in southern and eastern Lebanon, justifying them as actions against Hezbollah, while drone strikes have been reported to result in further casualties among the group.
The conflict, reignited by Hezbollah’s activities following Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, escalated to full-scale war in September, causing significant casualties on both sides, including over 4,000 deaths in Lebanon and displacing approximately 60,000 Israelis.
Under a ceasefire agreement, Israeli forces were expected to withdraw from Lebanese territory, but the deadline has been extended, with ongoing Israeli military presence in several areas. Lebanon has appealed to the United Nations for intervention in requesting Israel’s full withdrawal. The UN’s Interim Force in Lebanon has expressed alarm over the revived violence, urging all parties to maintain the progress achieved.
In parallel to the conflict in Lebanon, Israel has intensified its military actions in Gaza, threatening increased offensives until Hamas releases hostages captured during previous attacks. The humanitarian impact of these recent escalations is severe, with a reported 600 Palestinian fatalities since the resumption of hostilities on Tuesday, including many civilians.
Protests have erupted in Israel over the government’s handling of negotiations regarding hostages and the potential dismissal of the Shin Bet internal security service chief, which has prompted calls for elections and general strikes if the government’s decisions defy legal rulings. The ongoing turmoil reflects the broader instability and division within Israeli society amidst the external conflicts.