Israeli fire hits south Lebanon as drones fly over Beirut, violating truce

Israeli military forces conducted mortar fire into southern Lebanon and flew drones over the southern suburbs of Beirut on Saturday, violating the terms of an existing ceasefire. According to Lebanese state media, the shelling targeted areas near the town of Dhayra in the Tyre district, while an Israeli drone dropped a sound bomb on the town of Naqoura in the same region.

Escalating tensions and diplomatic warnings

The military activity follows urgent diplomatic warnings conveyed to Lebanon. Foreign Minister Youssef Raggi stated on Friday that Beirut had received alerts from Arab and international parties indicating Israel was preparing for a potential large-scale military operation. Raggi said diplomatic contacts intensified "to protect Lebanon and its facilities from any potential strike."

Israeli threats of unilateral action against Hezbollah

Israel's public broadcaster KAN reported Thursday that the Israeli military has completed preparations for a wide-scale attack on Hezbollah-linked sites. Citing a security official, KAN stated Israel informed the US it would act unilaterally to disarm the group if the Lebanese government and army fail to implement a disarmament plan by the end of 2025, even if it leads to renewed conflict.

The stalled disarmament plan and ceasefire violations

The Lebanese government approved a US-drafted plan in August to place all weapons under state control by the end of 2025, a move Hezbollah rejects absent a full Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory. Meanwhile, Israel has not fully withdrawn from southern Lebanon as stipulated by last year's ceasefire, maintaining a presence at five border outposts. The recent clashes and overflights underscore the fragile and deteriorating security situation along the border.