The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) initiated significant airstrikes against Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon on Thursday, claiming that Hezbollah had breached a cease-fire by reinforcing its military presence there.
The Lebanese army contends that it is striving to disarm Hezbollah but argues that Israeli strikes are complicating its efforts.
Before the attack, the Israeli military warned civilians to evacuate from five areas and advised residents to maintain a distance of 500 meters from targeted locations. Local civil defense officials were involved in the evacuation process, with the airstrikes commencing roughly an hour later.
On Thursday, the Lebanese National News Agency (NNA) reported that an unidentified man lost his life, while eight others sustained injuries from an Israeli strike in the town of Tura. Another individual was also reported injured in the town of Tire Deva.
The IDF has consistently targeted Hezbollah throughout the past year, accusing the Iranian-backed group of redeploying fighters and arms to areas they were obligated to evacuate under a cease-fire deal from November 2024. The airstrikes on Thursday were notably more severe than usual, marking the first instance in a year to prompt evacuation orders.
“Israel continues to protect its borders and insists on the comprehensive implementation of the cease-fire agreement with Lebanon,” stated Israeli government spokesperson Shosh Bedrossian.
Hezbollah, while asserting its commitment to the cease-fire, has indicated that it will not disarm as long as Israel continues its attacks on Lebanese territory.
Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem remarked, “As long as the invasion and occupation persist, we will not surrender our arms. We will resist this American-Israeli agenda at any cost.” He made these comments following a meeting with supporters in Iran in August.
Qassem criticized the Lebanese government for allegedly carrying out American and Israeli orders aimed at dismantling the resistance movement, even if this approach risks civil conflict.
In an “open letter” to the Lebanese government and its people, Hezbollah pledged to uphold national unity but vowed to resist foreign influence and protect Lebanon’s dignity.
Hezbollah emphasized its commitment to the cease-fire while retaining its right to “resist” Israel, asserting that Israel’s actions are aimed at coercing Lebanon into submission for concessions.
The Lebanese government has expressed some frustration with Hezbollah’s aggressive stance, stating it is reportedly making headway in disarming the group. President Joseph Aoun, however, directed his anger primarily towards Israel for the airstrikes rather than towards Hezbollah for its non-compliance.
“Israel’s actions in southern Lebanon are a severe violation of international humanitarian law, which condemns targeting civilians and their forced relocation,” Aoun stated in a Thursday announcement.
He added that nearly a year has elapsed since the cease-fire began, during which time Israel has shown a consistent disregard for any negotiated resolution.
During a cabinet meeting, Lebanese military leaders reiterated their ongoing efforts to seize Hezbollah’s arms.
The IDF vocally opposes Hezbollah’s actions, stating that Thursday’s strikes specifically targeted a significant weapons depot belonging to the Radwan Force of Hezbollah, located among civilian areas.
The IDF accused Hezbollah of manipulating Lebanese civilians as human shields with these illegal weapon caches.
“Hezbollah continues to attempt to re-establish its terrorist infrastructure in southern Lebanon and aims to enhance its capabilities to inflict harm on Israel,” the Israeli military declared.
A senior IDF official warned that Thursday’s assault was a mere “preview” of what would occur if Hezbollah did not relinquish its weapons.
The official further stated, “If the Lebanese army fails to disarm Hezbollah and adhere to cease-fire demands, Israel, backed by the US, will target Hezbollah throughout Lebanon, including in Beirut.”
Additionally, the IDF is said to have provided evidence to the US and French governments regarding Hezbollah’s rearmament and the Lebanese army’s inability to disarm the militants.
