Israel Says Hit Hezbollah Targets In Lebanon

Israel reported targeting several Hezbollah positions in Lebanon on Monday, following an attack attributed to the militant group—the first since a fragile ceasefire was established last week. Both Israel and Hezbollah were accused of violating the truce, which was brokered on Wednesday to end a conflict that claimed thousands of lives in Lebanon and caused mass displacement on both sides of the border.

The Israeli military confirmed that it had struck numerous Hezbollah sites, including launchers and infrastructure, across Lebanon. “Israel demands that the relevant parties in Lebanon fulfill their responsibilities and prevent Hezbollah’s hostile activities,” the statement said.

Hezbollah claimed responsibility for an attack on an Israeli position in the contested Kfar Shouba hills, a region near the border. The Israeli military responded by saying two projectiles were fired towards a post in the disputed Shebaa Farms area, which Israel refers to as Har Dov.

Following the attack, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denounced Hezbollah’s actions as a “serious violation” and promised a “forceful response.” Defence Minister Israel Katz also vowed a “harsh response.” Soon after, the Israeli military confirmed it had launched strikes on Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon, an area long controlled by the group.

Lebanon’s National News Agency reported Israeli airstrikes on southern regions close to the Israeli border. Earlier, the Speaker of Lebanon’s Parliament, Nabih Berri, accused Israel of breaching the ceasefire. Berri, who played a key role in negotiating the truce on behalf of Hezbollah, called Israeli actions a “flagrant violation” of the ceasefire terms.

The conflict intensified after Israel shifted its focus from Gaza to Lebanon in September, aiming to secure its northern border from Hezbollah’s attacks. Meanwhile, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot urged both Israel and Hezbollah to uphold the ceasefire, while Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar rejected claims that Israel had violated the truce. Saar argued that Israel’s actions were a response to Hezbollah’s violations.

Under the ceasefire agreement, Hezbollah was required to pull its forces from southern Lebanon, while Lebanese troops and UN peacekeepers were expected to take their place. The deal also stipulated the dismantling of Hezbollah’s military infrastructure south of the Litani River. A monitoring committee involving the United States, France, Israel, Lebanon, and UN peacekeepers has been set up to manage communications and address any violations.

Berri also called on the committee to investigate the reported 54 breaches of the ceasefire, emphasizing that Israel must stop its actions and withdraw from occupied territories. The United States has expressed concern over potential violations but believes the ceasefire largely holds.

On Monday, Lebanon’s health ministry reported that an Israeli strike killed one person in southern Lebanon, and the Lebanese army stated that an Israeli drone had wounded a soldier in the east. The Israeli military acknowledged the reports of the wounded soldier, stating that the incident was under investigation. Israel maintained that its operations were aimed at neutralizing threats posed by Hezbollah, which it accused of endangering Israeli civilians.