Israel Strikes Hezbollah in South Lebanon: Ceasefire Strained by "Repeated Violations"

JERUSALEM/BEIRUT, Jan 20 — The fragile peace along the northern border faces a critical test today after the military confirmed that Israel strikes Hezbollah targets across Southern Lebanon, citing "repeated violations" of the 2024 ceasefire agreement.

Late Monday night, Israeli Air Force jets targeted a militant in the Zibqin area. According to a military spokesperson, the operation was aimed at an immediate threat, though the results are "still under review."

"New Wave" of Airstrikes

The Zibqin incident was part of a broader escalation. Earlier on Monday, the IDF launched a wave of operations where Israel strikes Hezbollah infrastructure, including training facilities, tunnel shafts, and rocket launch positions.

Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency (NNA) reported heavy bombardment in the municipalities of Al-Lwaiza, Jbaa, and the Wadi Kafarmelki area. Residents in the Litani River basin described hearing massive explosions throughout the night.

Ceasefire on the Brink?

These strikes highlight the fragility of the truce brokered by the US and France, which took effect on November 27, 2024. Under its terms, Hezbollah is prohibited from maintaining a military presence south of the Litani River.

However, the IDF states it "will not tolerate repeated violations" of these security understandings. As Israel strikes Hezbollah assets to dismantle re-emerging threats, fears of a return to full-scale conflict are mounting.