Israel Army Says It Hit Hezbollah Positions in Multiple Areas of Lebanon Amid Rising Tensions

Israel Strikes Hezbollah Targets Across Lebanon as Disarmament Pressure Grows

The Israeli military said on Friday that it carried out airstrikes on Hezbollah targets in several areas of Lebanon, just one day after the Lebanese army announced progress in its plan to disarm the group.

The escalation comes amid growing US pressure and concerns that Israeli military operations in Lebanon could expand, despite a ceasefire agreement reached in November 2024 after months of intense fighting between Israel and Hezbollah.

Israel Confirms Airstrikes on Hezbollah Sites

In a statement, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it struck weapons storage facilities, rocket launch sites, and a weapons production facility used by Hezbollah to rebuild its military capabilities.

The IDF claimed the sites were part of Hezbollah’s efforts to rearm and strengthen its forces, calling the activity a violation of the ceasefire understandings between Israel and Lebanon and a direct threat to Israeli security.

“Several launch sites, rocket launchers, and military structures were also struck,” the Israeli military said.

Strikes Reported in Southern and Eastern Lebanon

Lebanon’s official National News Agency (NNA) reported that the strikes hit southern Lebanon, including areas far from the Israeli border, as well as the Bekaa Valley in eastern Lebanon, a region known to be a stronghold of Hezbollah.

No casualties were immediately reported following the latest attacks.

Despite the ceasefire, Israel has continued regular strikes in Lebanon, saying it is targeting Hezbollah operatives and infrastructure. Israeli forces also remain stationed in five strategic areas in southern Lebanon, accusing Hezbollah of attempting to rearm.

Lebanese Army Advances Disarmament Plan

On Thursday, the Lebanese army announced it had completed the first phase of its plan to disarm Hezbollah, focusing on the area south of the Litani River, roughly 30 kilometers from the Israeli border. Authorities said the plan would eventually be expanded to cover the entire country.

However, Israel said the efforts were insufficient.

“The ceasefire agreement clearly states that Hezbollah must be fully disarmed,” the office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, calling the Lebanese government’s actions an “encouraging beginning” but “far from enough.”

Hezbollah Refuses to Give Up Weapons

Under the ceasefire deal, Hezbollah was required to withdraw its fighters north of the Litani River and dismantle its military infrastructure in the south. However, the group has refused to surrender its weapons, raising concerns about long-term stability.

Lebanese media reported that an Israeli strike on Thursday killed one person near the southern city of Sidon, while Israel said it had targeted a Hezbollah operative.

International Reactions and French Support

French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed what he described as “encouraging announcements” from Lebanese authorities, urging them to continue the disarmament process.

“The second phase of the plan will be decisive,” Macron said in a post on X, stressing that the ceasefire must be respected by all parties.

He added that Lebanon’s sovereignty must be fully restored and announced that an international conference will soon be held in Paris to provide Lebanon with concrete support to ensure its security and stability.