What's happened
Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon targeted Hezbollah military sites and weapon depots, violating the ceasefire. The IDF killed Hezbollah operatives and responded to ongoing violations, while Lebanon condemned the attacks and canceled a US-backed visit. Tensions remain high as Israel asserts its right to self-defense.
What's behind the headline?
The recent escalation reveals the fragile nature of the 2024 ceasefire, which has failed to fully disarm Hezbollah or curb Israeli strikes. Israel's intensified military actions underscore its determination to prevent Hezbollah rearmament, which it views as an imminent threat. Lebanon's protests and the cancellation of US-backed visits highlight the country's inability to control Hezbollah or enforce the ceasefire terms. The international community's role remains critical, as diplomatic efforts are hampered by mutual accusations and strategic interests. The likelihood of a broader conflict persists if Israel perceives Hezbollah's rearmament as an existential threat, especially given Iran's backing of the group. The Lebanese military's cautious disarmament efforts, hindered by fears of civil unrest, are unlikely to succeed without stronger international support and a clear political resolution. The next steps will depend on whether diplomatic pressure can persuade Hezbollah to disarm fully and whether Israel will continue its targeted strikes or escalate further, risking wider regional instability.
What the papers say
The Times of Israel reports ongoing Israeli strikes targeting Hezbollah sites, emphasizing violations of the ceasefire and Israel's right to self-defense. The Lebanese authorities, including the army and government, condemn these actions as sovereignty violations and have canceled diplomatic visits, citing instability and escalation. Reuters and The New Arab detail the recent deaths of Lebanese civilians in Israeli strikes and the Lebanese military's efforts to disarm Hezbollah, which remain hampered by Israel's persistent strikes and Hezbollah's refusal to fully disarm. Al Jazeera provides analysis on the broader regional implications, highlighting the complex interplay between Lebanese sovereignty, Hezbollah's resistance, and international diplomacy. The articles collectively underscore the ongoing volatility and the difficulty of maintaining peace in the region without significant diplomatic breakthroughs.
How we got here
The conflict stems from a ceasefire agreement brokered by the US and France in November 2024, which aimed to disarm Hezbollah and end hostilities following a year of fighting. Despite the ceasefire, Israel continues strikes against Hezbollah targets, citing violations of the agreement and ongoing rearmament efforts by Hezbollah. Lebanon's government and military have struggled to fully disarm Hezbollah, which remains a powerful political and military force in Lebanon, backed by Iran. The situation is complicated by Israel's strategic occupation of border areas and frequent airstrikes, which Lebanon condemns as sovereignty violations. The US supports Lebanese state institutions but faces challenges in enforcing disarmament and stabilizing the region.
Go deeper
Common question
-
Why Is Israel Attacking Lebanon Now?
Recent clashes between Israel and Lebanon have raised concerns about regional stability. With Israel conducting strikes in southern Lebanon and tensions escalating, many are asking what’s behind these actions and what could happen next. Below, we explore the key questions about the current Middle East tensions, Hezbollah's recent activities, and the potential for wider conflict.
-
What’s Next in Global Conflict and Diplomacy?
As tensions rise around the world, understanding the latest developments is crucial. From Middle East clashes to regional sabotage and shifting political landscapes, these events could shape the future of international relations. Curious about what’s happening and what it means? Here are the key questions and answers to keep you informed.
-
How Are Regional Conflicts Connected Today?
Recent events across Ukraine, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe highlight a complex web of regional conflicts. These tensions are interconnected through military actions, sabotage, and the influence of global powers. Understanding these links helps explain why local disputes can have far-reaching consequences. Below, we explore key questions about these conflicts and what they mean for the world.
-
Why Are Tensions Rising Between Lebanon and Israel Now?
Recent Israeli strikes in Lebanon have sparked fears of a wider conflict. Many wonder what triggered these attacks, how Lebanese civilians are affected, and what both countries are doing to prevent escalation. Here’s a clear look at the current situation and answers to common questions about the rising tensions between Lebanon and Israel.
-
Why Are Global Conflicts and Tensions Rising Today?
Recent developments across Africa, the Middle East, and beyond have heightened international tensions. From threats over religious violence to escalating border conflicts, understanding these issues is crucial. Below, we explore key questions about current global conflicts, their causes, and their impact on regional stability.
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
-
The Lebanese Armed Forces or Forces Armées Libanaises in French, also known as the Lebanese Army, is the military of the Lebanese Republic. It consists of three branches, the army, the air force, and the navy. The motto of the Lebanese Armed Forces is "H
-
Naim Qassem is a Shia Lebanese cleric and politician, who was the second-in-command of Hezbollah with the title of deputy secretary-general.
-
The United States of America, commonly known as the United States or America, is a country mostly located in central North America, between Canada and Mexico.
-
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.
-
Benjamin Netanyahu is an Israeli politician serving as Prime Minister of Israel since 2009, and previously from 1996 to 1999. Netanyahu is also the Chairman of the Likud – National Liberal Movement.
-
Thomas Joseph Barrack Jr. is an American private equity real estate investor and the founder and executive chairman of publicly traded REIT Colony Capital. Barrack has been a close friend and ally of former U.S. President Donald Trump and has represented
-
Joseph Khalil Aoun is a Lebanese Commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces since 2017.
-
The Israeli Air Force operates as the aerial warfare branch of the Israel Defense Forces. It was founded on May 28, 1948, shortly after the Israeli Declaration of Independence. As of August 2017 Aluf Amikam Norkin serves as the Air Force Commander.