On Thursday, the Israeli military reported that its airstrikes hit southern Lebanon after detecting Hezbollah activity near a rocket storage site, marking the first Israeli attack since a ceasefire took effect between Israel and Hezbollah. No immediate casualties were reported from the aerial strike, which occurred hours after Israel claimed it fired on individuals trying to return to certain areas of southern Lebanon, accusing them of violating the ceasefire, though no specifics were provided. Lebanon’s National News Agency stated that two people were wounded.
These developments have raised concerns about the ceasefire agreement, brokered by the United States and France, which calls for a two-month ceasefire during which Hezbollah fighters should pull back north of the Litani River, and Israeli forces should return to their side of the border. The buffer zone between the two sides is to be monitored by Lebanese troops and U.N. peacekeepers.
On the second day of the ceasefire, Lebanon’s state news agency reported that Israeli fire had targeted civilians in Markaba, near the border, though no further details were given. Israel also launched artillery strikes in three other border locations, with no immediate reports of casualties. The Israeli military explained that several individuals had been identified as “suspects” for breaching the ceasefire by traveling with vehicles to areas in southern Lebanon, prompting Israeli forces to open fire. The military emphasized it would continue to enforce violations of the ceasefire agreement.
Israeli officials have said their forces will gradually withdraw as the ceasefire is enforced, but they also warned people not to return to areas where Israeli troops are stationed and stated they would act militarily if Hezbollah violates the truce.
