BEIRUT — Israel launched heavy airstrikes on southern Lebanon on Thursday after ordering evacuations in several areas, saying Hezbollah was attempting to rebuild its military infrastructure despite a year-old ceasefire.
The renewed strikes came even as the Lebanese army continued operations to dismantle Hezbollah facilities in the south. The truce, reached last year, was intended to halt more than a year of clashes between Israel and the Iran-backed group.
The Lebanese health ministry reported one person wounded in the afternoon bombings and another killed earlier in the day.
At 3 p.m. local time, Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee issued simultaneous evacuation orders on X for Aita al Jabal, Al Tayyiba and Tayr Debba, followed later by orders for two more towns. The areas lie between 4 and 24 kilometers from the Israeli border. Residents were instructed to stay at least 500 meters away from the designated sites. Lebanon’s civil defense assisted in the evacuations.
Airstrikes began roughly an hour after the warnings, sending thick smoke over the targeted villages.
The escalation has fueled fears in Lebanon that Israel may resume a full-scale bombing campaign. Israeli leaders have repeatedly warned of action against Hezbollah if Lebanon fails to accelerate efforts to disarm the group.
“We are in a very dangerous situation, and if things continue this way, then all hope is lost,” said Farid Nahnouh, mayor of Tayr Debba.
Israel has often struck what it identifies as Hezbollah positions in the south, but the attacks rarely come with advance evacuation orders.
Israeli government spokesperson Shosh Bedrosian said Israel will defend its borders and demands full enforcement of the ceasefire. She added that Hezbollah will not be allowed to rebuild the military power it lost during the 2023 to 2024 conflict.
Hezbollah maintained on Thursday that it remains committed to the truce while asserting its “legitimate right” to resist Israel. The group has not obstructed the Lebanese army’s operations and has not fired at Israel since the ceasefire took effect.
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon said the airstrikes are clear violations of Security Council Resolution 1701, which aims to maintain peace along the border. The agency urged Israel to stop the attacks and called on Lebanese parties to avoid actions that could escalate tensions.
The Lebanese army condemned the strikes, calling them an attempt to destabilize the country and expand destruction in the south.
The evacuation orders coincided with a cabinet meeting in Beirut, where army commander Rodolphe Haykal reported on the progress of clearing Hezbollah weapons depots in the south. Security officials told Reuters that troops are making steady progress and could complete disarmament by year-end.
One of the strikes destroyed an ironworks shop in Abbasiyeh. Owner Ahmad al Kayyal said the business supported several families. “What does a blacksmith do?” he said. “Chairs, tables, doors, railings. That is our work.”
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
