Israel strikes southern Lebanon after US-Iran ceasefire
Israel strikes southern Lebanon after US-Iran ceasefire
The Israeli military launched a series of air attacks in southern Lebanon on Wednesday, signaling that the US-Iran ceasefire agreement does not encompass the region. This comes as Israel continues its conflict with the Iranian-backed Hezbollah group, which operates in areas like Tyre and Nabatieh. The strikes occurred shortly after the ceasefire was announced, raising questions about its scope.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected claims by Pakistan, a key mediator, that the deal also addresses the ongoing violence in Lebanon. The conflict has already claimed over 1,500 lives, including 130 children, and displaced more than 1.2 million people—nearly a fifth of the population. Most displaced are from Shia Muslim communities in southern Lebanon, the eastern Bekaa Valley, and Beirut’s suburbs, regions under Hezbollah influence.
Villages near the border have been reduced to rubble as Israeli forces seek to establish a security buffer zone. This strategy aims to dismantle Hezbollah’s infrastructure and retreat its fighters. Concerns persist that certain areas might remain under occupation post-war, leaving residents unable to return.
The current escalation in the decades-long clash between Hezbollah and Israel began when the group retaliated by launching rockets into Israel. This followed the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei early in the war and continued despite a November 2024 ceasefire agreement in the country. Israeli officials had stated their intent to persist in Lebanon even with a deal with Iran, but recent reports suggest the military may not be planning further advances.
Hezbollah has surprised observers with its resilience, challenging the belief that it was weakened after the November 2024 war. While frequently targeting northern Israel with rockets and drones, it has also engaged Israeli troops in southern Lebanon. The group remains popular among Lebanese Shia despite criticism for involving the country in the conflict and aligning with Iran’s interests.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, a former army commander, has ruled out military action to disband Hezbollah, fearing it would deepen divisions. His government, however, has announced openness to direct negotiations with Israel—a move significant given their lack of diplomatic ties. Israel has yet to respond to the proposal.
“The deal also covers the devastating conflict happening here,” said Pakistan, which mediated the US-Iran agreement.
Meanwhile, the displacement crisis has intensified, straining Lebanon’s already fragile situation. Schools have been converted into shelters, and many residents now sleep in temporary tents or vehicles. The influx of families into other communities has heightened sectarian tensions, with fears of becoming targets of Israeli strikes.
