What's happened
Israeli military strikes in southern Lebanon have killed two people and injured seven, despite a ceasefire since November 2024. The attacks targeted Hezbollah figures and infrastructure, raising fears of renewed conflict amid ongoing tensions and accusations from Lebanon of Israeli aggression and rejection of peace overtures.
What's behind the headline?
The recent Israeli strikes in Lebanon highlight the fragility of the 2024 ceasefire, which has failed to prevent ongoing hostilities. Israel's claims of targeting Hezbollah infrastructure and operatives suggest a strategy of sustained pressure aimed at weakening the group, but these actions risk reigniting full-scale conflict. Hezbollah's weakened state after the 2024 war and international disarmament pressures complicate the situation, yet Israel's continued strikes indicate a belief that Hezbollah remains a significant threat. The Lebanese government's rejection of Israel's rejection of negotiations underscores the diplomatic deadlock, while US efforts for direct talks aim to de-escalate tensions. The escalation serves as a reminder that despite diplomatic efforts, military actions continue to shape the region's stability, and the risk of wider conflict persists if hostilities intensify.
What the papers say
Al Jazeera reports that Israeli strikes in Lebanon have resulted in casualties and damage, with the Israeli army claiming to target Hezbollah members attempting to reestablish infrastructure. The Times of Israel emphasizes Israel's warnings of expanding attacks and the ongoing threat posed by Hezbollah, despite the ceasefire. The New Arab highlights the continued Israeli bombing despite diplomatic overtures, noting the international pressure on Lebanon to disarm Hezbollah and the US push for direct negotiations. All sources agree that tensions remain high, with recent strikes risking a renewed escalation in the region.
How we got here
Since the ceasefire in November 2024, which aimed to end over a year of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, Israel has continued to target what it claims are Hezbollah threats. Despite the ceasefire, Israel maintains a troop presence and regularly strikes Hezbollah targets, citing security concerns. Lebanon and Hezbollah have faced international pressure to disarm, with ongoing indirect talks and US efforts to push for direct negotiations. The recent escalation follows a period of heightened tensions after Hezbollah's attacks on northern Israel and Israel's warnings of expanding military operations.
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Common question
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What’s Behind the Recent Israeli Strikes in Lebanon?
Tensions in the Middle East are escalating again, with recent Israeli strikes in Lebanon raising concerns about a wider conflict. Many wonder what triggered these attacks, how Lebanon and Hezbollah are responding, and what this means for regional peace. Below, we explore the key questions surrounding this developing situation to help you understand the latest events and their potential implications.
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Lebanon, officially known as the Lebanese Republic, is a country in Western Asia. It is bordered by Syria to the north and east and Israel to the south, while Cyprus lies west across the Mediterranean Sea.
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