Deadly Israeli strikes in Bekaa Valley raise tensions between Israel and Hezbollah as Lebanon calls it a ceasefire violation
At least 10 people were killed in Israeli air strikes in Lebanon, according to Lebanese officials, marking one of the deadliest incidents since the November 2024 ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.
The strikes targeted areas in the Bekaa Valley, a region in eastern Lebanon known as a stronghold of Hezbollah, the powerful Shia Muslim militia and political party backed by Iran.
Hezbollah Confirms Losses
Hezbollah confirmed that at least eight of its members were killed, including a senior field commander. The Israeli military said the operation targeted what it described as Hezbollah command centres, accusing the group of embedding military assets within civilian areas.
In a separate statement, Israel said it had eliminated several members of Hezbollah’s missile unit, claiming they were accelerating the group’s readiness and planning future attacks against Israel.
Heavy Damage in Residential Areas
Images circulating online showed extensive destruction in what appeared to be a residential neighbourhood in the Bekaa Valley. The scale of the damage has raised fresh concerns over civilian safety amid ongoing military operations.
Despite the ceasefire agreement that ended 13 months of war in November 2024, Israel has continued conducting near-daily strikes in Lebanon, saying it is targeting Hezbollah-linked infrastructure.
Ceasefire Dispute and Disarmament Tensions
Hezbollah argues that the ceasefire agreement applies only to southern Lebanon, specifically the area between the Litani River and the Blue Line, the unofficial border between Lebanon and Israel.
In southern Lebanon, the Lebanese army has begun dismantling Hezbollah infrastructure as part of a broader disarmament plan. However, the group has rejected calls to discuss surrendering weapons in other regions, including the Bekaa Valley.
Earlier this week, Hezbollah dismissed a government decision to advance the second phase of the disarmament plan in areas north of the Litani River and the Awali River near Sidon.
Lebanon’s government has accused Israel of violating the ceasefire, urging the international community to pressure Israel to halt further attacks. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam recently described the situation as a “one-sided war of attrition.”
Strike on Palestinian Refugee Camp
Hours before the Bekaa Valley attack, an Israeli strike hit Ain al-Helweh, a densely populated Palestinian refugee camp near Sidon in southern Lebanon.
The Israeli military said it targeted a Hamas command centre. Hamas later confirmed that two of its members were killed in the strike.
Rising Regional Tensions
The renewed violence comes amid growing regional tensions. The United States has warned it could take military action against Iran if nuclear negotiations fail, increasing fears that any escalation could draw Hezbollah further into a wider regional conflict.
Many in Lebanon fear that if tensions between Israel and Iran intensify, Hezbollah could be pressured to join the confrontation, further destabilizing the country.
Sources:
BBC
Reuters