New Israeli strikes deepen Lebanon concerns and raise fresh questions about the fragile ceasefire
Israel has launched new waves of air attacks in Lebanon, escalating concerns about the state of the ceasefire that has held only loosely since it was brokered in 2024.
Lebanese state media reported that several areas were hit, including Mount Safi, Jbaa, the Zefta Valley, and the zone between Azza and Rumin Arki. Multiple residential buildings were damaged in the strikes, adding to growing frustration in Lebanon over what officials describe as repeated Israeli violations of the agreement with Hezbollah.
Israel’s military said the attacks targeted several Hezbollah-linked sites, including a special operations training compound used by the group’s elite Radwan Force, as well as multiple buildings and a rocket-launching position.
Diplomatic pressure builds
The escalation comes just days after both Israel and Lebanon sent civilian envoys to a joint military committee responsible for monitoring the ceasefire. The move followed months of pressure from the United States, which has been urging both sides to expand their dialogue.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun stated that Lebanon has “adopted the option of negotiations with Israel” in an effort to stop the ongoing strikes.
The ceasefire agreement ended more than a year of clashes between Israel and Hezbollah. Yet, according to a recent United Nations report, at least 127 civilians in Lebanon have been killed since the agreement took effect. UN officials warned that some of the attacks could constitute war crimes.
A deadly turning point
Tensions surged again when Israel bombed Beirut’s southern suburbs, killing Hezbollah’s top military commander, Haytham Ali Tabtabai. The group, still recovering from last year’s conflict, has not yet issued a response.
Israel insists that Lebanon has failed to pressure Hezbollah to give up its weapons, a claim Lebanese leaders reject. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said the country wants the ceasefire monitoring mechanism to play a stronger role in confirming Israel’s allegations that Hezbollah is rearming, as well as reviewing the Lebanese army’s progress in dismantling the group’s infrastructure.
When asked about potential US and French involvement in that verification process, Salam said, “Of course.”
Fear of a widening conflict
With Israeli airstrikes continuing, many in Lebanon fear that Israel may broaden its campaign. Hezbollah maintains that it will not surrender its weapons while Israeli strikes continue and while Israel still occupies several disputed southern points.
As both sides trade accusations and firepower, the fragile ceasefire appears increasingly strained, leaving civilians caught in the middle of a conflict that shows few signs of easing.
Conclusion
The situation between Israel and Lebanon is shifting quickly, and the future of the ceasefire remains uncertain. If this developing story matters to you, share your thoughts, follow for updates, and help others stay informed.