Newsletters
Israeli forces launched attacks across southern Lebanon despite an ongoing ceasefire, hitting several towns and residential areas as Israeli media reported that the military was preparing for a possible new campaign lasting several days.
In Hadatha, in the Bint Jbeil district, Israeli soldiers opened fire with automatic weapons on a western neighborhood on Sunday, according to Lebanon’s official National News Agency. Israeli military vehicles were also reportedly moving inside the town at the time.
An Israeli airstrike targeted the outskirts of Al-Qantara early Monday, while artillery fire hit Al-Mansouri in the same area, local media reported. In Kafra, also in Bint Jbeil, an explosive-laden drone struck a house, damaging part of it and injuring two civilians. The town had also reportedly come under attack from a quadcopter.
Further military activity was reported around the Ali al-Taher ridge, near Dawhat Kfar Rumman, in Deir Siryan and along Wadi al-Hujair in Al-Qantara, where an Israeli tank reportedly entered the area.
Explosions, demolitions and artillery fire were reported across southern Lebanon every one to two hours on Sunday, according to the local media.
Israel’s Channel 12 reported Sunday evening that the army was preparing "for the possibility of several days of fighting in Lebanon," citing unnamed military sources.
The broadcaster said that Israeli forces are focused on completing the destruction of Hezbollah infrastructure in the area, while Hezbollah is attempting to target troops operating there.
Some of the infrastructure has already been destroyed, but the operation has not been completed. Dozens of Hezbollah members are also reportedly trapped underground on the Ali al-Taher ridge, while Israeli forces have disrupted attempts to assist them.
Israel has exercised restraint in recent days to avoid disrupting U.S.-mediated negotiations with the Lebanese government, the report said. It added that the political leadership therefore did not approve some operations proposed by the military in response to Hezbollah activity.
The latest attacks came despite a ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel that took effect on April 17 and was later extended several times. Israeli forces also carried out airstrikes on Lebanon in the early hours of Aug. 15.
Israel launched intensive airstrikes on Lebanon on March 2 and occupied several towns in the south. The Lebanese government reported that displacement during the escalation exceeded 1 million people.
Lebanon’s Health Ministry reported that 4,346 people have been killed in Israeli attacks since March 2. Lebanese authorities have also reported 12,301 wounded and more than 1 million displaced.
Tensions along the Lebanese front have increased in recent weeks as Israeli military operations continue while the U.S. works to reach understandings between Israel and Lebanon.
Israel continues to occupy parts of southern Lebanon, with Israeli forces advancing more than 10 kilometers (6 miles) into Lebanese territory during the current offensive.
Set as preferred source
Set as preferred source
1 min read
1 min read
