Israeli Airstrikes Hit Southern Lebanon Amid Rising Tensions

BEIRUT (AP) — Israeli jets targeted multiple towns in southern Lebanon on Thursday, following warnings for residents to evacuate, indicating an escalation in their frequent attacks on the region.

The airstrikes occurred shortly after the militant organization Hezbollah urged the Lebanese government to avoid negotiations with Israel.

Israeli Arabic spokesperson Avichay Adraee cautioned residents in Tayba, Teir Debba, and Aita al-Jabal to move at least 500 meters (approximately 1,600 feet) away from buildings being targeted, which have allegedly been used by Hezbollah. Additional warnings were later issued for Zawtar al-Sharqiyah and Kfar Dounin.

The Israeli military asserted that its focus was on military installations belonging to Hezbollah in these areas, including “weapons storage facilities… located within civilian-populated areas.” They accused Hezbollah of restoring its military capabilities nearly a year after a U.S.-mediated ceasefire ended a prolonged conflict. While many residents evacuated, Lebanon’s health ministry reported one individual injured.

Israeli government spokesperson Shosh Bedrosian emphasized that Israel would not permit Hezbollah to rearm or regain strength to pose a threat to the nation.

As these developments unfolded, Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and his Cabinet convened in Beirut to discuss a strategy put forth by the Lebanese military aimed at disarming Hezbollah and other non-state armed factions. Information Minister Paul Morcos noted that the government commended the military’s progress despite ongoing challenges, primarily due to continuing Israeli aggression.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun criticized Israel’s strikes and its ongoing occupation of Lebanese territory but expressed a willingness to engage in negotiations to alleviate tensions. He remarked that each time Lebanon seeks peaceful negotiations, Israel escalates its aggression, stating, “Your message has been received.”

Since the ceasefire a year ago, over 270 individuals in Lebanon have died due to Israeli military actions, with the U.N. verifying that at least 107 of the deceased were civilians. In contrast, no Israelis have lost their lives to fire from Lebanon since the ceasefire began. Additionally, the U.S. Treasury unveiled new sanctions aimed at financial operatives related to Hezbollah.