Israeli strikes in Lebanon continued on Thursday, killing multiple people as Israel claimed an IRGC operative died, deepening tensions despite a fragile ceasefire agreement.
Lebanese media reported a drone strike hit a vehicle in Hermel district, killing two occupants, as residents described “a sudden explosion that shattered the calm”.
Israel’s military said the attack targeted Hussein Mahmoud Marshad al-Jawhari, alleging he belonged to Iran’s IRGC Quds Force operating inside Lebanese territory.
In a statement, Israel accused al-Jawhari of conducting “Iran-directed terror activities against Israel and its security forces from Syria and Lebanon”.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps offered no immediate response, while Hezbollah also refrained from public comment on Israel’s latest claims.
Israeli strikes in Lebanon have occurred almost daily since the November 2024 ceasefire, undermining diplomatic efforts led by the United States and France.
UN officials warn the repeated attacks risk collapsing the truce, with one diplomat saying, “Ceasefires survive on restraint, not routine violations.”
Lebanon’s National News Agency confirmed another drone strike in Bint Jbeil district, where a pickup truck was hit near Safad al-Batikh town.
The Israeli army separately announced it killed a Hezbollah member in southern Lebanon, offering no details beyond what it called “a precise operation”.
Israeli strikes in Lebanon have also injured civilians, including a passer-by wounded when a drone targeted a car in Jennata, Tyre district.
Local residents described persistent fear, saying “drones hum overhead daily, reminding communities the war never truly ended”.
The ceasefire ended more than a year of cross-border fire that escalated alongside Israel’s war in Gaza, described by rights groups as genocidal.
Since the truce, Israel has justified attacks by citing Hezbollah’s presence, arguing disarmament obligations remain unfulfilled under the agreement.
Lebanon’s government disputes Israel’s interpretation, insisting it is coordinating disarmament phases while protecting national sovereignty and civilians.
According to the United Nations, Israeli strikes in Lebanon have killed more than 300 people since the ceasefire, including approximately 127 civilians.
UNIFIL peacekeepers have documented numerous incidents, noting “patterns of escalation inconsistent with ceasefire commitments”.
Data from ACLED shows nearly 1,600 Israeli strikes across Lebanon between January and late November, reflecting sustained military pressure.
Israeli officials argue operations are defensive, saying “Hezbollah’s infrastructure near our border poses unacceptable risks”.
Critics counter that routine strikes weaken moderates within Lebanon and empower hardliners resistant to negotiations and reform.
Israeli strikes in Lebanon coincide with direct talks between Israeli and Lebanese representatives under a US-led monitoring mechanism.
Diplomats involved say progress is slow, with one negotiator admitting “every explosion complicates trust-building efforts”.
The alleged killing of an IRGC operative adds a regional dimension, highlighting Iran’s deep entanglement in Lebanon’s security landscape.
Israel has repeatedly targeted Iranian-linked figures, aiming to disrupt Tehran’s support networks across Lebanon and Syria.
Iran denies directing attacks from Lebanese territory, accusing Israel of using allegations to justify continued aggression.
Lebanese analysts warn the country risks becoming a permanent battleground for proxy conflicts beyond its control.
Economic hardship compounds insecurity, with residents saying “we rebuild homes while fearing the next strike will undo everything”.
Israeli strikes in Lebanon also strain Beirut’s relations with international partners urging calm and political stability.
France and the United States have called for adherence to the ceasefire, emphasizing protection of civilians and state institutions.
Hezbollah remains influential despite losses, with supporters insisting resistance is “necessary while Israeli occupation threats persist”.
Opposition voices inside Lebanon argue armed groups invite retaliation, worsening civilian suffering and economic isolation.
The Lebanese army continues deployments alongside UNIFIL, attempting to assert authority amid complex political constraints.
Israeli officials maintain military pressure is essential, claiming diplomacy alone cannot neutralize Hezbollah’s capabilities.
Human rights organizations urge independent investigations, stating “accountability is vital to prevent normalization of ceasefire violations”.
Read also:Zelensky’s Christmas message carries veiled wish for Putin’s end as Ukraine presses for peace on its terms
Israeli strikes in Lebanon raise fears of miscalculation spiraling into broader conflict involving Iran and regional allies.
Regional observers note Gaza’s unresolved crisis fuels instability across fronts, including Lebanon’s southern and eastern regions.
Families of victims mourn quietly, with one relative saying “we bury loved ones while leaders trade accusations”.
As talks continue, residents hope restraint prevails, though many confess expectations are low after months of broken calm.
Israeli strikes in Lebanon remain a test of international mediation, regional power balances, and the durability of fragile truces.
About The Author
