Israel launched several airstrikes in southern Lebanon on Wednesday, targeting what it described as Hezbollah infrastructure. The strikes come as a deadline approaches for the Lebanese state to disarm the group south of the Litani River under a US-backed plan.
The Israeli military said it struck launching sites and military infrastructure belonging to Hezbollah, calling their presence a violation of the ceasefire understandings. Residents reported drones hovering over affected areas after the bombings in Houmin, Wadi Azza and Nimeiriya.
Since the ceasefire ended a 13-month war in December 2024, Israel has conducted strikes on average once every four hours, according to ACLED. Hezbollah has shelled Israel once in that period. Israel's defence minister, Israel Katz, stated in November: “Hezbollah: we will disarm them.”
Lebanese officials claim they are nearly finished disarming Hezbollah in the south. Deputy Prime Minister Tarek Mitri said on 17 December that Lebanon was strictly observing the ceasefire, while accusing Israel of continual violations. Israel rejects this and says Hezbollah is trying to rebuild along the border.
An Israeli drone strike on Monday killed three men north of the Litani, including a Lebanese army warrant officer. Israel claimed he was a Hezbollah member, which both the Lebanese army and Hezbollah denied. Israeli media reports suggest that expanded offensive against Hezbollah may be discussed in a forthcoming meeting between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump.
Diplomatic talks continue in Naqoura, with civilian negotiators now included for non-military issues, drawing criticism in Lebanon. The Lebanese state has appealed for international help to stop what it says are daily attacks on its sovereignty.
