Jerusalem, Israel – In response to rockets being fired into Israel from southern Lebanon, the Israel Defense Forces have conducted strikes on dozens of Hezbollah rocket launchers and a command center in the region. This marks the first incident of rocket fire since the ceasefire in November.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu instructed the IDF to take strong action against the terror targets, following the rocket attacks. Lebanon’s health ministry reported two fatalities – including a child – and eight injuries as a result of the strikes. The Lebanese Prime Minister has expressed concerns over the potential escalation of violence and warned against being drawn into a new war.
Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed armed group, denied carrying out the rocket attack and reiterated its commitment to the ceasefire agreement that ended over a year of conflict. The UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon, Unifil, has urged both Israel and Lebanon to uphold their commitments and prevent any further escalation of violence.
The IDF announced the interception of three rockets in the northern Israeli town of Metula, with no reported injuries. The Lebanese army later discovered and dismantled three primitive rocket launchers after conducting a search operation. Hezbollah maintained its denial of involvement in the rocket attack and emphasized its adherence to the ceasefire terms.
The ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah has been fragile, with Israel conducting frequent air strikes on alleged Hezbollah targets. The Israeli military’s continued occupation of five locations in southern Lebanon has been a point of contention, as Lebanon asserts a violation of sovereignty and breach of the ceasefire agreement.
Despite ongoing tensions, Hezbollah has refrained from retaliating to Israel’s attacks. The group is facing pressure to support its communities affected by the conflict while also addressing calls for disarmament. Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun has advocated for sole state control over arms, in what is seen as a challenge to Hezbollah’s arsenal.
The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah intensified following a series of events, including attacks on southern Israel by Hamas in October 2023. The subsequent air campaign, assassinations, and ground invasion led to significant casualties and displacement in Lebanon. Israel’s objectives in the conflict were centered on allowing displaced residents to return and removing Hezbollah from border territories.