Israel strikes Hezbollah targets in Lebanon citing ceasefire violations

Jerusalem: The Israeli military said on Thursday that it was striking Hezbollah targets in several areas of Lebanon in response to what it described as repeated ceasefire violations by the Iran-backed militant group.

An Israeli military spokesperson earlier issued warnings to residents of specific buildings in the Lebanese village of Sohmor, indicating imminent strikes.

Israel and Lebanon agreed to a US-mediated ceasefire in 2024 after more than a year of cross-border hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah. The fighting had culminated in Israeli attacks that significantly weakened Hezbollah’s military capabilities. Since the ceasefire took effect, both sides have accused each other of breaching the agreement.

Lebanon is under increasing pressure from the United States and Israel to disarm Hezbollah, which maintains a powerful armed presence separate from the Lebanese state. Lebanese leaders have expressed concern that Israel could sharply escalate military action across the country to force faster action against Hezbollah’s weapons stockpiles.

The latest strikes underscore the fragility of the ceasefire and raise fears of a broader escalation at a time when Lebanon is already grappling with severe economic and political instability.

(With agency inputs)