Tensions flared in southern Lebanon on Thursday as the Israeli military carried out airstrikes on Hezbollah rocket launchers in the Nabatieh area, despite an ongoing ceasefire with the militant group. The truce, which began on November 27, has been fraught with mutual accusations of violations, underscoring its fragility.
According to a statement from the Israeli military, the strikes targeted medium-range rocket launchers that posed a threat to Israeli civilians and troops. The military claimed it had requested that the Lebanese armed forces neutralize the launchers before the strikes but acted after receiving no response.
“Prior to the strike, a request was sent to the Lebanese armed forces to neutralize the launchers,” the statement read. “The launchers were struck only after the request was not addressed.”
Lebanon’s official National News Agency reported at least three Israeli strikes in the Nabatieh area.
Under the ceasefire terms, the Lebanese army is tasked with deploying alongside UN peacekeepers in southern Lebanon as the Israeli military withdraws over a 60-day period. Hezbollah, in turn, is required to withdraw its forces north of the Litani River—some 30 kilometers from the Israeli border—and dismantle its military infrastructure in the region.
However, the implementation of these provisions has been contentious. The UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon expressed concern in late December about “continuing” damage caused by Israeli forces in southern Lebanon, further highlighting the challenges in maintaining the fragile truce.
Thursday’s strikes are the latest in a series of incidents that have tested the ceasefire. The Israeli military defended its actions, emphasizing that they were conducted “in accordance with the ceasefire understandings” to eliminate threats to Israeli security.
The situation underscores the ongoing volatility in the region, with both sides accusing each other of undermining the truce. Analysts warn that continued escalations could jeopardize the ceasefire, raising fears of a return to open hostilities.
As the 60-day withdrawal deadline approaches, international observers are calling for renewed efforts to ensure adherence to the ceasefire terms and prevent further violence in the region.
