In a recent event reported by state media, an Israeli drone struck a vehicle in the southern Lebanese town of Aita al-Shaab. This incident marked a significant escalation just one day after the most intense flare-up of conflict since the ceasefire established in November.
The Lebanese National News Agency stated, “An Israeli drone carried out an airstrike this morning, launching a guided missile targeting a car” near the border with Israel. While the exact number of casualties remains unspecified, reports confirm that the situation is dire.
This wave of strikes from Israel was described as a retaliation for a rocket launch from Lebanon, which the militant group Hezbollah has denied responsibility for. The tensions escalated further when, according to Lebanon’s official news agency, five individuals, including a young girl, were killed in an Israeli attack on the southern town of Touline the day before.
Subsequent reports indicated that three more lives were lost in an airstrike on the city of Tyre, part of a secondary wave of attacks on southern and eastern regions of Lebanon. Multiple injuries were also reported, shedding light on the devastating human cost of these military actions.
A security source mentioned that the Tyre strike aimed at a Hezbollah official, though it has not been confirmed whether he was fatally wounded.
In related developments, Israel’s military reported that six rockets were launched from Lebanon into northern Israel. three of which were intercepted, triggering air raid sirens in the region. Hezbollah has categorically denied any involvement, labeling Israel’s claims as “pretexts for its continued attacks on Lebanon.”
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam voiced concerns about the renewed military operations on the southern border, warning that they risk “dragging the country into a new war,” while Foreign Minister Youssef Raggi called for “pressuring Israel to cease its aggression and to contain the perilous situation along the southern borders.”
Israeli defense officials have emphasized that the Lebanese government bears responsibility for all acts of hostility originating from its territory, regardless of the perpetrators. “We cannot allow fire from Lebanon on Galilee communities,” Defense Minister Yoav Katz remarked, highlighting that many northern towns and villages were evacuated following Hezbollah’s support for Hamas’s attacks in October 2023. “The Lebanese government is responsible for attacks from its territory,” he added.
In response to the escalating violence, the United Nations peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon expressed that they are “alarmed by the possible escalation of violence” following the recent rocket fire. France, a key player in brokering the ceasefire, condemned the rocket launches and urged Israel to exhibit “restraint.” Meanwhile, Jordan called for immediate international action to “halt the Israeli aggression against Lebanon.”
Historically, Hezbollah has maintained strongholds in southern and eastern Lebanon, as well as in parts of Beirut. However, the ongoing war with Israel has significantly diminished the group’s capabilities, leaving them considerably weakened.
Under the terms of the ceasefire, Hezbollah is expected to withdraw its forces north of the Litani River—approximately 30 kilometers from the Israeli border—and dismantle any remaining military infrastructure in the south. Conversely, Israel has been criticized for its failure to withdraw its forces across the UN-demarcated Blue Line, missing two deadlines while retaining five positions deemed “strategic.”
Despite the ceasefire, Israel has continued its pattern of airstrikes, targeting what it claims are Hezbollah military sites violating the peace agreement. The Lebanese army has taken measures, reportedly dismantling three makeshift rocket batteries located north of the Litani River.
In a recent statement, the Department of Defence confirmed the safety of Irish peacekeepers currently stationed in Lebanon. Tánaiste and Minister for Defence Simon Harris expressed his “deep concerns about the latest escalation in violence and tensions between Israel and Lebanon,” urging all parties involved to exercise restraint.
As we navigate these complex and volatile dynamics, it is imperative for all stakeholders to seek dialogue and de-escalation to prevent further loss of life.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.
