Israel carried out its most intense airstrikes on Lebanon in nearly four months on Saturday, responding to rocket fire from Lebanese territory. The Israeli military said it struck dozens of Hezbollah positions, including rocket launchers and a command center, in southern Lebanon.
Lebanon’s Health Ministry confirmed that two people, including a child, were killed and eight others injured in the strikes. The escalation has raised fears of renewed conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, despite a ceasefire that has been in place since November.
Rocket Attack Sparks Retaliation
The attack on Israel occurred early Saturday when three rockets were fired into the northern town of Metula. The Israeli military intercepted the projectiles, and there were no reports of casualties. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack. While several armed groups operate in Lebanon, Hezbollah denied involvement and reaffirmed its commitment to the ceasefire.
The Lebanese military reported dismantling three “primitive rocket launchers” in the south and launched an investigation into the incident.
Fragile Ceasefire Under Threat
The ceasefire, brokered by the US and France, ended more than a year of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah. Under its terms, Hezbollah was required to withdraw fighters and weapons from the southern border, while the Lebanese army would deploy additional troops to prevent further attacks. In return, Israel was expected to withdraw from positions occupied during the conflict.
However, Israel has continued conducting airstrikes on what it calls Hezbollah targets, arguing that the Lebanese military has not fully deployed in the south. The Israeli army remains stationed at five locations inside Lebanon, a move the Lebanese government claims violates its sovereignty.
Political Reactions and International Concerns
Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun condemned the escalation, warning against efforts to “drag Lebanon into a cycle of violence.” Prime Minister Nawaf Salam echoed his concerns, stating that further attacks could push the country into another war.
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) expressed alarm at the rising tensions and urged both Israel and Lebanon to respect the ceasefire agreement.
Ongoing Challenges for Hezbollah
Hezbollah, Lebanon’s most powerful armed group, has faced significant losses since its conflict with Israel escalated in late 2023. Many of its leaders were assassinated, hundreds of fighters were killed, and much of its military infrastructure was destroyed. The group is now under pressure to provide financial assistance to affected communities and to respond to growing calls for disarmament.
International partners have indicated that financial aid to Lebanon is contingent on curbing Hezbollah’s influence. President Aoun has stated that only the state should possess weapons, signaling a potential shift in Lebanon’s security approach.
Broader Conflict and Humanitarian Impact
Hezbollah entered the conflict following Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, launching a sustained campaign of rocket and drone attacks. This triggered a heavy Israeli air campaign and a ground invasion of southern Lebanon, resulting in approximately 4,000 deaths and the displacement of over 1.2 million people.
Israel’s stated objective in its campaign was to eliminate Hezbollah’s military presence near the border and facilitate the return of 60,000 displaced Israelis. However, with Saturday’s escalation, the prospect of a lasting peace remains uncertain.
