Israel strikes southern Lebanon after US-Iran ceasefire
Israel launches air strikes in southern Lebanon following US-Iran ceasefire
On Wednesday, the Israeli military conducted a series of aerial attacks in southern Lebanon, signaling that the peace agreement between the U.S. and Iran does not encompass the ongoing conflict with the Iranian-backed Hezbollah militia. The strikes targeted regions such as Tyre and Nabatieh, occurring shortly after the deal was finalized. Despite the agreement, Israel continued its military operations, with the Prime Minister’s office refuting claims by Pakistan—a key mediator—that the truce would halt hostilities in Lebanon.
Human toll and displacement
Lebanon has seen over 1,500 casualties, including 130 children, as the conflict intensifies. More than 1.2 million residents have been forced to flee their homes, with one in five people now displaced. Most of these are from Shia Muslim communities in southern regions dominated by Hezbollah. Border villages have suffered extensive damage, as Israeli forces aim to establish a security buffer zone. This has sparked fears that certain areas might remain under occupation post-war, leaving residents unable to return.
“Hezbollah is on the threshold of a major historic victory,” the group stated, urging displaced families to wait for an official ceasefire before returning to their homes.
Escalation and regional dynamics
The latest violence erupted after Hezbollah retaliated with rockets into Israel, triggered by the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei early in the conflict. Despite a ceasefire in Lebanon agreed in November 2024, Israeli air strikes persist, deepening the crisis. While Israeli officials insisted on continuing their campaign against Hezbollah, recent military reports suggested the army might not push further into the region. They acknowledged Hezbollah’s resilience and the challenge of disarming the group by force.
Observers were surprised by Hezbollah’s combat effectiveness, as it was thought to have been weakened in its previous war. However, the group remains active, launching rockets and drones into northern Israel while engaging Israeli troops in southern Lebanon. Critics in Lebanon blame Hezbollah for entangling the country in the conflict, yet the militia retains strong support among Shia communities. The displacement crisis has exacerbated existing tensions, with families seeking refuge in other regions and concerns over potential Israeli targeting.
Lebanese government’s response
Following the 2024 ceasefire deal, the Lebanese government proposed a plan to disarm Hezbollah, which was established in the 1980s during Israel’s occupation of the country. However, the group has so far refused to engage in discussions about its weapons. President Joseph Aoun, a former military leader, warned against using force, citing risks of deepening divisions. Despite his caution, his government announced an unprecedented willingness to negotiate directly with Israel—countries without formal diplomatic ties. Israel has yet to respond to the offer.
