Israeli Air Strikes in Southern Lebanon
The Israeli military launched a series of air strikes in southern Lebanon on Wednesday morning, signaling that the US-Iran ceasefire agreement does not extend to Lebanon, where Israel is engaged in conflict with the Iranian-backed group Hezbollah.
Air strikes targeted areas including Tyre and Nabatieh in southern Lebanon, occurring hours after the ceasefire deal was announced.
The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected Pakistan's claim, a mediator in the deal, that the ceasefire also applied to the conflict in Lebanon. The Israeli military confirmed that air and ground operations were ongoing.
Casualties and Displacement in Lebanon
Throughout Lebanon, the conflict has resulted in over 1,500 deaths, including 130 children.
More than 1.2 million people have been displaced, representing one in five of Lebanon's population. Most displaced individuals come from Shia Muslim communities in southern Lebanon, the eastern Bekaa Valley, and the southern suburbs of Beirut—regions under Hezbollah's influence.
Villages near the Israeli border have been destroyed as Israeli forces seek to establish a security buffer zone aimed at dismantling Hezbollah's infrastructure and pushing its fighters away from the border. This strategy has raised concerns that some areas may remain under Israeli occupation after the war ends, potentially preventing residents from returning.
Lebanese Government and Hezbollah Reactions
Following the announcement of the ceasefire between the US and Iran, which began in late February, the Lebanese presidency stated it would continue
"efforts to include Lebanon in regional peace".
Hezbollah has not claimed any attacks since the ceasefire deal was announced. The group stated it is on the
"threshold of a major historic victory"and advised displaced families to await a formal ceasefire declaration before attempting to return home.
Background of the Conflict
The recent escalation in the long-standing conflict between Hezbollah and Israel began when Hezbollah fired rockets into Israel in retaliation for the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during the early stages of the war. This was also in response to near-daily Israeli attacks on Lebanon despite a ceasefire agreement in November 2024.
Israeli officials had indicated their intention to continue military operations in Lebanon regardless of any deal with Iran. However, recent reports from Israeli military sources suggest the army does not plan to advance further into Lebanon and acknowledges it cannot disarm Hezbollah by force.
Observers have expressed surprise at Hezbollah's military capabilities during this conflict, as the group was widely believed to have been significantly weakened in previous wars. Hezbollah has frequently launched rockets and drones into northern Israel and engaged Israeli troops on the ground in southern Lebanon.
Domestic Criticism and Support for Hezbollah
Within Lebanon, Hezbollah faces strong criticism, with many blaming the group for dragging the country into an unwanted war and serving Iranian interests. Nevertheless, Hezbollah maintains significant support among Lebanese Shia communities.
Humanitarian Impact and Sectarian Tensions
The displacement crisis caused by the war has intensified Lebanon's existing challenges. Schools converted into shelters are overcrowded, and many displaced persons are forced to sleep in makeshift tents in public spaces or inside vehicles. The influx of displaced families into other communities has heightened sectarian tensions, with residents fearing they could become targets of Israeli attacks.
Lebanese Government's Position and Negotiations
Following the 2024 ceasefire deal, the Lebanese government announced plans to disarm Hezbollah, which was established in the 1980s in response to Israel's occupation of Lebanon during the 15-year civil war. However, Hezbollah has so far refused to discuss the future of its weapons.
President Joseph Aoun, a former army chief, has ruled out the use of force to disarm Hezbollah, warning that such action could deepen divisions and provoke violence. In response to the recent escalation, his government made a historic announcement expressing openness to direct negotiations with Israel, despite the absence of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Israel has not responded to this offer.
