Israel strikes southern Lebanon after US-Iran ceasefire
Israel strikes southern Lebanon after US-Iran ceasefire
On Wednesday morning, the Israeli military launched a series of aerial assaults in southern Lebanon, signaling that the recent US-Iran ceasefire agreement does not extend to the region. The strikes targeted areas such as Tyre and Nabatieh, part of a broader campaign against the Iranian-backed Hezbollah militia. This development comes despite the November 2024 ceasefire that had previously paused hostilities in the country.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected claims by Pakistan, a key mediator in the US-Iran deal, that the agreement encompasses the ongoing conflict in Lebanon. The strikes, which occurred hours after the agreement was announced, highlight the continued tension between Israel and Hezbollah, even as broader diplomatic efforts aim to de-escalate the Israel-Iran rivalry.
Human Toll and Displacement
Lebanon has seen significant casualties, with over 1,500 individuals losing their lives and more than 1.2 million people displaced—nearly a fifth of the population. Most evacuees originate from Shia Muslim strongholds in southern Lebanon, the eastern Bekaa Valley, and Beirut’s southern suburbs, where Hezbollah maintains control. Villages near the border have been reduced to rubble as Israeli forces seek to establish a security buffer zone, targeting Hezbollah’s infrastructure and pushing its fighters back.
The conflict has sparked fears that some regions may remain under Israeli occupation even after hostilities cease. This raises concerns about the long-term displacement of residents, with many unable to return to their homes. Meanwhile, the Lebanese government and Hezbollah have yet to respond to the ceasefire announcement, despite the war’s impact on the nation.
Escalation and Strategic Context
The current crisis erupted when Hezbollah retaliated with rocket fire into Israel, triggered by the assassination of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei early in the conflict. This came amid near-daily Israeli strikes on Lebanese territory, despite a ceasefire agreement in November 2024. Israeli officials have stated their intent to continue operations in Lebanon, even if a deal with Iran is reached.
Recent reports suggest Israeli military sources are no longer pushing for further advances, acknowledging their inability to fully disarm Hezbollah through force. Analysts note Hezbollah’s resilience, as it was previously thought to have been weakened after the November 2024 war. The group now demonstrates strong offensive capabilities, both in the air and on the ground, while facing criticism for involving Lebanon in the broader conflict.
Diplomatic Offers and Political Stance
Following the ceasefire, the Lebanese government proposed disarming Hezbollah, a move intended to reduce the militia’s influence. However, Hezbollah has so far refused to engage in discussions about its weapons. President Joseph Aoun, a former military leader, has ruled out using force to achieve this, warning it could deepen societal divides. Despite this, his administration has made a historic decision to negotiate directly with Israel, a country with which Lebanon does not maintain formal diplomatic ties.
While Israel has not yet accepted the offer, the diplomatic outreach underscores the complexity of the situation. The war has intensified sectarian tensions, with displaced families relocating to other communities and fears of becoming targets of Israeli attacks. Schools have been converted into shelters, and many citizens now reside in makeshift tents or vehicles, adding to the challenges posed by the ongoing crisis.
“The group has frequently launched rockets and drones into northern Israel but confronted Israeli troops on the ground in southern Lebanon,” said a military analyst, highlighting Hezbollah’s dual strategy.
