What's happened
Since the ceasefire in November 2024, Israel has conducted multiple strikes targeting Hezbollah infrastructure in Lebanon, despite ongoing efforts by Lebanon's army to disarm the group. Recent incidents include drone falls, casualties among Lebanese soldiers, and Israeli strikes on Hezbollah sites, escalating regional tensions.
What's behind the headline?
The ongoing Israeli strikes in Lebanon reveal a persistent cycle of escalation despite the ceasefire. Israel targets Hezbollah infrastructure, claiming violations of the ceasefire agreement, while Lebanon's army faces casualties during deployment, highlighting the fragile security situation. The recent drone incidents near UN peacekeepers further complicate the environment, with Israel asserting its military actions are defensive responses. The US-backed Lebanese disarmament plan faces resistance from Hezbollah, which vows to retain its weapons, reflecting a broader regional power struggle. The international community's calls for restraint contrast with Israel's continued military operations, risking a return to open conflict. The situation underscores the difficulty of enforcing peace in a region where multiple actors have conflicting interests, and where disarmament remains elusive. The potential for further escalation remains high, especially if Hezbollah perceives its weapons as vital for its survival amid regional pressures.
What the papers say
The New Arab reports ongoing Israeli strikes and drone incidents, emphasizing the casualties among Lebanese soldiers and the UN peacekeepers' near-miss with grenades. The Times of Israel provides detailed accounts of targeted Hezbollah operatives and the Lebanese army's casualties, highlighting the group's continued resistance and regional tensions. Both sources underscore the persistent security challenges and the complex dynamics of Israeli-Lebanese relations post-ceasefire, with the US's disarmament efforts and Hezbollah's defiance at the core of the ongoing conflict.
How we got here
The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah escalated in October 2023 after Hezbollah launched rocket attacks in support of Hamas. A ceasefire was reached in November 2024, but Israel continues to conduct strikes in Lebanon, citing violations of the ceasefire. Lebanon's government has pledged to disarm Hezbollah, but the group remains resistant, complicating regional stability.
Go deeper
Common question
-
What’s Happening in Yemen, Lebanon, and the Middle East Right Now?
Recent developments across Yemen, Lebanon, and the broader Middle East are shaping regional stability and international relations. From the killing of Yemen’s Houthi leader to rising tensions in Lebanon over Hezbollah disarmament, these events raise many questions about ongoing conflicts and future prospects. Below, we explore the key issues and answer the most common questions about this complex and rapidly evolving situation.
-
What’s Behind the Rising Tensions Between Lebanon and Hezbollah?
The recent escalation in Lebanon has raised many questions about the underlying causes and potential consequences. From US proposals to regional conflicts, understanding the current situation is crucial. Below, we explore key questions about Lebanon's crisis, Hezbollah's stance, and regional stability to help you make sense of this complex issue.
-
Why is Israel continuing strikes in Lebanon?
Since the ceasefire in November 2024, Israel has maintained a series of strikes targeting Hezbollah infrastructure in Lebanon. This ongoing military activity raises questions about the reasons behind these actions, the current state of regional tensions, and the potential risks of further conflict. Understanding the context of these strikes helps clarify the complex dynamics at play in this volatile region.
More on these topics
-
Hezbollah is a Shia Islamist political party and militant group based in Lebanon. Hezbollah's paramilitary wing is the Jihad Council, and its political wing is the Loyalty to the Resistance Bloc party in the Lebanese parliament.
-
Israel, formally known as the State of Israel, is a country in Western Asia, located on the southeastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea and the northern shore of the Red Sea.
-
The Israel Defense Forces, commonly known in Israel by the Hebrew acronym Tzahal, are the military forces of the State of Israel. They consist of the ground forces, air force, and navy. It is the sole military wing of the Israeli security forces, and has
-
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.
-
Joseph Khalil Aoun is a Lebanese Commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces since 2017.
-
Lindsey Olin Graham is an American politician, affiliated to the Republican Party, who serves as the senior United States Senator from South Carolina, a seat he has held since 2003.
-
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, or UNIFIL, is a UN-NATO peacekeeping mission established on 19 March 1978 by United Nations Security Council Resolutions 425 and 426, to confirm Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon which Israel had invaded five day