The Israeli military launched a series of heavy airstrikes on southern Lebanon on Thursday, targeting areas it claims are being used by Hezbollah to rebuild its military capabilities.
The strikes came just hours after Israel issued evacuation orders for several villages, including Aita al-Jabal, Al-Tayyiba, and Tayr Debba — despite a ceasefire deal agreed a year ago that was meant to end over a year of fighting between Israel and the Iran-backed group.
According to Lebanon’s health ministry, one person was killed and another wounded in the bombings, which sent thick plumes of smoke rising over multiple towns.
Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee posted evacuation maps on X (formerly Twitter), urging residents to stay at least 500 meters away from designated locations. The orders covered areas ranging from 4 to 24 kilometers north of the Israeli border.
Lebanon’s civil defence assisted residents in evacuating, while local officials expressed fear that Israel’s actions could mark the start of a renewed bombing campaign. “We are in a very dangerous situation… if things continue like this, no one knows where it will lead,” warned Tayr Debba mayor Farid Nahnouh.
Israeli government spokesperson Shosh Bedrosian said the country was determined to enforce the ceasefire and prevent Hezbollah from rearming. “Israel will continue to defend its borders and ensure the full implementation of the ceasefire agreement,” she said.
Hezbollah responded that it remains committed to the truce but maintains a “legitimate right” to resist Israel. The group has not engaged in cross-border attacks since the 2024 ceasefire.
The UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) condemned the Israeli strikes as “clear violations” of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which governs the border truce. “We call on Israel to cease these attacks immediately,” UNIFIL said, urging all sides to avoid escalation.
Lebanon’s army also denounced the strikes as part of Israel’s “destructive approach” aimed at destabilizing the south.
Meanwhile, the attacks coincided with a Lebanese cabinet meeting where Army Commander Rodolphe Haykal briefed officials on ongoing efforts to dismantle Hezbollah weapons depots in the south. Lebanese security officials told Reuters earlier Thursday that disarmament operations were progressing steadily.
Among the damaged sites was an ironworks shop in Abbasiyeh. “This shop supported five or six families,” said owner Ahmad al-Kayyal. “We made chairs, tables, doors, railings — just regular work. Now it’s all gone.”
