The Israeli military announced yesterday that it carried out over 85 strikes against Hezbollah targets in Southern Lebanon, including weapon depots, rocket launchers, and manufacturing sites. This marks a significant escalation as both sides exchange accusations of violating the fragile ceasefire agreement.
Key military developments:
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Israeli strikes: Operations targeted over 85 locations in Southern Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley, including an underground weapons manufacturing facility in Nabi Chit.
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Hezbollah response: For the first time since the mid-April truce, Hezbollah claimed responsibility for 26 attacks, including two strikes on military bases inside Israel (near Nahariya and the Meron base).
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Casualties: The Lebanese Ministry of Health reported at least 16 dead, including four children, and 54 injured following the recent attacks.
Evacuation orders & displacement:
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Urgent warnings: The Israeli military issued evacuation orders for nine towns in Southern Lebanon, declaring them “active combat zones.”
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Mass displacement: Residents were ordered to move at least 1 km away from specified sites, triggering a new wave of displacement toward the Lebanese interior amid heavy aerial reconnaissance.
State of the ceasefire:
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Cross-border fire: While Israel maintains it is “removing threats” to its civilians and soldiers, Hezbollah’s strikes on Israeli bases represent its first public cross-border operations since the truce began.
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Fragile peace: Both parties continue to trade accusations of breaching the ceasefire terms established in April.
