Israel targets and destroys Hezbollah sites illegally rebuilt after Lebanon ceasefire

The Israeli Air Force conducted strikes in southern Lebanon and the Beqaa Valley on Thursday, targeting infrastructure that Hezbollah had rebuilt. This rebuilding allegedly violated the ceasefire agreements established after last year’s hostilities. Reports indicate one fatality and six injuries from the airstrikes.

Details of the Strikes on Hezbollah Sites

The ceasefire, effective November 27, 2024, aimed to cease hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, an Iran-backed group. However, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) accused Hezbollah of attempting to reconstruct weapons networks and underground facilities, justifying the recent airstrikes.

Targeted Facilities

• Israeli jets targeted subterranean infrastructure in the Beqaa Valley and southern Lebanon.
• The facilities were suspected of being used for storing weaponry as part of Hezbollah’s reconstruction efforts.
• One strike specifically focused on a quarry linked to a group called Green Without Borders.

Green Without Borders, which presents itself as an environmental NGO, is viewed by many as fronting for Hezbollah. The IDF claimed this site was producing concrete for the construction of terrorist facilities that had been dismantled in prior operations.

Response from Lebanon

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned the airstrikes, characterizing them as a systematic approach to destabilize Lebanon’s economy and security under pretext of protecting Israel. The recent military actions have raised concerns amidst ongoing international efforts to uphold the ceasefire.

International Monitoring Efforts

In November 2024, the United States, France, Israel, and Lebanon established a collaborative framework to monitor compliance with the ceasefire. This mechanism includes participation from the Lebanese Armed Forces and the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).

Leadership in Joint Monitoring

Maj. Gen. Joseph Clearfield, recently appointed as the U.S. military representative in Lebanon, leads this joint monitoring body. He underscores the importance of cooperation with the Lebanese army, UNIFIL, and France to maintain stability and adhere to the ceasefire agreement.

Rising Tensions on the Northern Border

Local Israeli groups are reporting increasing violations along the northern border. The Fighting for the North command expressed concerns about heightened border infractions, alleging that Hezbollah is using civilian structures to approach the Israel border and prepare for potential hostile actions.

Authorities in Kiryat Shmona have also raised alarms, noting that Hezbollah is making gradual advances under the guise of civil works. These developments could threaten the fragile peace that the ceasefire aimed to establish.