An Israeli drone strike hit a vehicle on a busy highway in the Khaldeh area, just 12 kilometers south of Beirut, killing one person and injuring three others, Lebanon’s Ministry of Public Health confirmed Thursday. The airstrike marks another breach of the truce established between Israel and Hezbollah in November 2024.

The Israeli military claimed the target was a “military site and weapons depot.” However, the attack took place during peak rush hour, raising concerns over civilian casualties and collateral damage. The identities of the victims have not yet been released.

Continued Ceasefire Violations

Since the ceasefire under UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which required Hezbollah to withdraw north of the Litani River, Israel has reportedly continued occupying parts of southern Lebanon and launching near-daily strikes across the country. Thursday’s strike follows a broader bombardment that targeted Zawtar al-Charqiyeh near Nabatieh.

Al Jazeera’s Zeina Khodr, reporting from outside Beirut, noted that “Israel is acting with little restraint,” and Lebanon’s limited response options leave it vulnerable to further violations. Lebanese authorities have repeatedly urged the U.S. and France to pressure Israel to adhere to the ceasefire, but diplomatic efforts have thus far been unsuccessful.

Hezbollah Faces Dilemma

Following significant losses in 2024—including the killing of its top military and political leaders—Hezbollah has largely refrained from retaliation. The group’s Secretary-General Naim Qassem reiterated that it would not surrender its weapons or yield to Israeli demands.

“We will not give up our land. We will not give up our arms to the Israeli enemy,” Qassem declared, warning that continued attacks could eventually provoke a response.

Reports suggest the U.S. has floated a proposal for Hezbollah’s disarmament in exchange for full Israeli withdrawal. However, the group appears unwilling to accept any terms that undermine its military role or resistance stance.