On Thursday, Israeli jets struck towns in southern Lebanon including Tayba, Teir Debba, Ayta el-Cebel, and Zawtar el-Sharkiye. The Israeli military said it targeted “military infrastructure belonging to Hezbollah,” including weapons storage facilities built in densely populated areas.

According to Lebanon’s official news agency NNA, one person was killed and eight injured in Toura, in the Sur (Tyre) district. Another person was injured in Tayr Debba. Prior to the strikes, Israel issued warnings for residents to evacuate the targeted areas.

Israel Cites “Security,” Hezbollah Reaffirms Defense

Israeli government spokesperson Shosh Bedrosyan said, “We will not allow Hezbollah to rearm and threaten the state of Israel.” Tel Aviv accused Hezbollah of refusing to comply with last year’s US-mediated ceasefire agreement.

Hezbollah responded by emphasizing its “legitimate right to defend the country against an enemy imposing war and continuing attacks.” The group stated it will not disarm as long as Israel continues its operations in Lebanese territory.

“Violation of International Law”

Lebanese President Joseph Avn strongly condemned the strikes, saying, “Israel’s actions today in southern Lebanon constitute a full-scale crime under international humanitarian law, targeting civilians and forcibly displacing populations.”

Prime Minister Nevvaf Selam’s cabinet convened to discuss a plan for the Lebanese army to disarm Hezbollah and other non-state armed groups. Information Minister Paul Morcos said, “Israel’s ongoing hostile actions are hindering the army’s progress.”

“Civilians at Risk”

The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) stated that the strikes severely threaten civilian safety and undermine progress toward a political solution. UNIFIL also noted that Israel’s operations undermine the Lebanese army’s efforts to control “unauthorized weapons and infrastructure” in southern Lebanon.

Diplomatic Tensions Escalate

Hezbollah has rejected any political negotiations with Israel, declaring that such talks would “not serve national interests.” This statement came amid increased pressure from the US and Egypt for Lebanon to engage directly with Israel.

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu warned that operations in the north could expand, and Defense Minister Israel Katz said, “Maximum sanctions will continue, even intensify; we will not allow threats to residents in the north.”