Israel strikes southern Lebanon after US-Iran ceasefire

Israel strikes southern Lebanon after US-Iran ceasefire

On Wednesday, Israeli forces launched a series of aerial attacks targeting regions in southern Lebanon, signaling that the agreement between the U.S. and Iran does not extend to the ongoing conflict involving Hezbollah. The strikes, which focused on Tyre and Nabatieh, occurred shortly after the ceasefire was announced, prompting questions about its scope. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu refuted claims by Pakistan, a mediator in the deal, that it would also address the war in Lebanon.

Lebanon has seen over 1,500 casualties, with 130 children among the dead. More than 1.2 million people have been forced from their homes, a third of the nation’s population, primarily from Shia Muslim strongholds in the south, the eastern Bekaa Valley, and Beirut’s southern suburbs. The destruction of border villages aims to establish a security buffer zone, according to Israeli authorities, to weaken Hezbollah’s infrastructure and displace its fighters. This has sparked fears that some areas may remain under Israeli control post-war, leaving residents unable to return.

The US-Israel ceasefire with Iran, which began in late February 2024, has not halted the violence in Lebanon. The Lebanese presidency has vowed to push for the country’s inclusion in broader peace efforts. Hezbollah, though silent on the deal, has not claimed responsibility for recent attacks, suggesting a strategic pause. However, the conflict reignited after Hezbollah retaliated for the assassination of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and continued responding to Israeli strikes despite earlier ceasefires.

Israeli officials had stated their intent to persist in operations against Hezbollah regardless of the Iran deal. Recent reports from military sources, however, indicated that the army may not push further into Lebanon, acknowledging its inability to fully disarm the group through force. Analysts noted Hezbollah’s resilience, despite prior expectations of its decline. The group has repeatedly targeted northern Israel with rockets and drones but has engaged Israeli troops in southern Lebanon. While criticized for prolonging the war, Hezbollah remains popular among Lebanese Shia communities, who view it as a defender of their interests.

Lebanon’s displacement crisis has worsened, straining the country’s already fragile situation. Schools have been repurposed as temporary shelters, and many families now sleep in tents or vehicles in public spaces. This has heightened sectarian tensions, with communities fearing they might face similar attacks. The Lebanese government, which announced a plan to disarm Hezbollah in 2024, has yet to engage in discussions about its weapons. President Joseph Aoun, a former military leader, has rejected the use of force, warning it could deepen divisions. Meanwhile, Lebanon has offered direct negotiations with Israel, despite the lack of diplomatic ties, but Israel has not responded.