Tensions have escalated dramatically in the Middle East as Israel carried out significant airstrikes on various locations in Lebanon on Saturday. This was a response to a recent rocket attack, marking the most intense exchange of fire since Israel and the militant group Hezbollah entered a ceasefire agreement nearly four months ago. The violence has sparked widespread concern regarding the durability of this truce, particularly in light of Israel’s renewed conflict with another Iran-backed group, Hamas, in Gaza.
In an official statement, Hezbollah disclaimed any involvement in the recent hostilities, reaffirming its commitment to the ongoing ceasefire. Despite this, the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu directed the military to launch an aggressive response against numerous targets in Lebanon, where Hezbollah is based. According to the Israeli army, six rockets were fired towards Metula, a town near the Lebanese border. Of these, three rockets penetrated Israeli airspace but were successfully intercepted.
The identity of the group behind the rocket attack remains unconfirmed. Nevertheless, Israeli forces targeted Hezbollah command centers and multiple rocket launchers as part of their retaliation. A tragic strike on the southern Lebanese village of Touline resulted in the deaths of five civilians, including a young child, and left ten others wounded, as reported by Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency (NNA). Additionally, bombings in the coastal city of Tyre and the village of Hawsh al-Sayed Ali caused further casualties and injuries.
Lebanon’s Prime Minister Nawaf Salam urged the national military to take precautions in the south while expressing a desire to avoid renewed hostilities. Tensions have simmered since Hezbollah began launching attacks on Israel following an October 2023 assault by Hamas from Gaza, which reignited conflict in the region.
The ceasefire agreement initially required Israel to vacate Lebanese territory by late January, a deadline extended to February 18. However, Israel maintains a presence in five locations within Lebanon. Meanwhile, continual airstrikes attributed to Israel have targeted Hezbollah strongholds in southern and eastern parts of the country, raising regional tensions.
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon has expressed alarm over the escalating violence and urged caution to prevent undermining the ceasefire’s progress. Israel’s actions extend beyond Lebanon, with intensified operations in Gaza prompting condemnation from the international community.
The recent military actions came amid Israeli promises to escalate operations in Gaza until Hamas releases its hostages, with 24 believed still alive. Israeli airstrikes on Friday resulted in at least nine fatalities, drawing further criticism amidst international calls for restraint.
Domestically, these ongoing conflicts have stirred political unrest within Israel. Demonstrations broke out on Saturday against the Netanyahu government’s handling of the hostage crisis and its decision to dismiss the head of the Shin Bet internal security service. The Israeli Supreme Court has temporarily halted the dismissal pending an appeal, as tensions remain high.
Opposition leaders are advocating for civil disobedience if the government proceeds with the contentious dismissal, suggesting sweeping tax protests and strikes as a form of resistance.
