Israeli warplanes carry out overnight strikes in southern Lebanon

Israeli warplanes launched extensive overnight strikes across southern Lebanon, targeting multiple locations in the latest escalation of cross-border hostilities. According to Lebanon's official National News Agency, the aerial campaign began after 2:00 am local time on Friday, with warplanes striking the coastal town of Mansouri and generating powerful explosions audible across several surrounding villages.

Multiple areas targeted

Beyond Mansouri, Israeli forces carried out detonations in the towns of Hadatha and al-Tiri within the Bint Jbeil district. Simulation raids were also conducted over the city of Tyre and its environs. Artillery shelling accompanied the airstrikes, targeting Ali al-Taher hill on the outskirts of Nabatieh al-Fawqa, as well as areas near Dabsha hill and Dawhat Kfar Remman. Intermittent shelling continued into Friday morning, striking the outskirts of Mayfadoun in the direction of Zawtar al-Sharqiyah, according to NNA.

Ceasefire collapse and diplomatic efforts

The attacks represent the latest chapter in renewed hostilities that erupted on March 2, when Israel launched extensive operations against what it described as Hezbollah targets. The militant group responded with its own attacks, effectively shattering the ceasefire arrangement that had been in place since November 2024. US-led diplomatic initiatives have since sought to broker new security arrangements, including discussions on Israeli withdrawals and border security mechanisms. Lebanon has demanded an end to Israeli attacks and the full withdrawal of occupying forces, while Israel has conditioned further withdrawals on measures preventing Hezbollah from maintaining a military presence near its border.