Israel considers escalating strikes in Lebanon amid Hezbollah tensions

Israeli authorities are weighing potential military escalation in Lebanon amid assertions that Hezbollah is restoring its offensive and defensive capacities, according to reports from Israel's public broadcaster Kan. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened a security session on Thursday to evaluate developments in Lebanon, reflecting growing concerns about the northern border situation.

Alleged Violations and Weapons Smuggling

An unnamed senior Israeli official claimed that "Hezbollah has partially succeeded in rebuilding its military infrastructure," characterizing these actions as a "direct violation of the existing security agreement with Lebanon." Additional Israeli sources alleged that the group has smuggled "hundreds of short-range rockets from Syria into Lebanon in recent months" while attempting to reconstruct its leadership framework.

Ongoing Violence Despite Ceasefire

These developments occur against a backdrop of escalating border tensions, where Israeli forces have intensified airstrikes on southern Lebanon despite a ceasefire declared in late 2024. The conflict, which began in October 2023 and escalated to a full-scale offensive in September 2024, has resulted in significant casualties, with over 4,000 fatalities and approximately 17,000 injuries reported in Lebanon according to available data.

Ceasefire Implementation Issues

A November 2024 ceasefire agreement between Hezbollah and Israel included provisions for Israeli military withdrawal from southern Lebanon by January. However, Israeli forces have only partially complied, maintaining a presence at five border outposts, contributing to the ongoing instability and mutual accusations between the parties involved in the conflict.