Israel launches airstrikes in Lebanon despite ceasefire agreement

Israeli military aircraft have executed twelve separate airstrikes throughout southern and eastern Lebanon, marking a significant violation of the ceasefire agreement that has been in effect since November 2024. The attacks targeted multiple locations across several Lebanese districts, creating powerful shockwaves and illuminating night skies with missile flashes visible across the region.

Comprehensive Attack Patterns

According to Lebanon's National News Agency (NNA), the airstrikes hit areas including the southern town of Bnaafoul in Sidon, Khirbet Dweir between Sarafand and Baysariyeh, and the region between Roumine and Houmine in the Nabatieh district. An Israeli drone additionally struck the town of Blida in the Marjayoun district while residents were harvesting olives. The attacks encompassed the districts of Sidon, Marjayoun, Bint Jbeil in southern Lebanon, and extended to Baalbek in eastern Lebanon.

Conflicting Claims and Accusations

The Israeli military asserted that the operations targeted Hezbollah infrastructure used for weapons storage in the Bekaa and southern Lebanon regions. However, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun countered these claims, accusing Israel of seeking "to destroy productive infrastructure and obstruct economic recovery in Lebanon under false security pretexts." The Lebanese leader emphasized the devastating impact of the attacks on civilian areas and economic activities.

Lebanese Security Response

President Aoun announced that Lebanon will gradually increase its military presence south of the Litani River, planning to deploy 10,000 troops by the end of 2025 to ensure border security following Israel's anticipated withdrawal. During a meeting with UNIFIL Commander Diodato Abagnara in Beirut, Aoun confirmed the Lebanese army would collaborate with UN peacekeeping forces to implement UN Security Council Resolution 1701 and eventually assume control of positions currently held by UN forces as their gradual withdrawal proceeds through 2027.

Ceasefire Violation Context

The airstrikes represent a serious breach of the November 2024 ceasefire that ended a year-long cycle of cross-border hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel. The conflict had escalated into a full-scale Israeli offensive by September 2024, resulting in over 4,000 fatalities and approximately 17,000 injuries. Despite the truce requiring Israel's complete withdrawal from southern Lebanon by January 2025, Israeli forces maintain a military presence at five border outposts, complicating implementation of the agreement.