Israeli air strikes in Lebanon's eastern Bekaa Valley have resulted in the deaths of at least 12 individuals, as reported by regional authorities. According to Baalbek-Hermel Governor Bachir Khodr on X, the casualties include seven Syrians, among which is a family of five, and three Lebanese nationals. The strikes targeted the Wadi Faara area, with additional fatalities reported in Shmustar, escalating fears of intensified violence in the region.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that its operations aimed at multiple Hezbollah military facilities, specifically those associated with the Radwan Force—an elite commando unit. IDF spokesperson Lt Col Avichay Adraee stated on X that the strikes were directed at military compounds housing terrorist operatives and munitions used by Hezbollah. This marks a significant uptick in military action following a year-long truce aimed at stabilizing the Israel-Hezbollah relationship, which previously saw extensive confrontations.
While Hezbollah has not formally commented on the strikes yet, its Al-Manar TV indicated that the actions violate both the ceasefire and Lebanon’s sovereignty. The air strikes, occurring after Israel’s campaign against Hezbollah last year, are viewed by Israeli officials as necessary measures to counteract what they describe as Hezbollah's attempts to regroup militarily.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz emphasized that the strikes serve as a "clear message" to both Hezbollah and the Lebanese government. Katz underscored Israel's stance to respond vigorously to any efforts aimed at reconstituting Hezbollah's military might. The ceasefire agreement, arranged with the help of US mediators, required Hezbollah to withdraw forces to positions north of the Litani River, allowing only the Lebanese army and UN peacekeepers to remain armed in that zone. Despite the accord, Israel maintains its military presence at critical sites in southern Lebanon, citing strategic concerns.
The events highlight a volatile situation in the region, where fears of resurgence in conflict linger amid fragile alliances and strict adherence to the stipulated ceasefire terms.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that its operations aimed at multiple Hezbollah military facilities, specifically those associated with the Radwan Force—an elite commando unit. IDF spokesperson Lt Col Avichay Adraee stated on X that the strikes were directed at military compounds housing terrorist operatives and munitions used by Hezbollah. This marks a significant uptick in military action following a year-long truce aimed at stabilizing the Israel-Hezbollah relationship, which previously saw extensive confrontations.
While Hezbollah has not formally commented on the strikes yet, its Al-Manar TV indicated that the actions violate both the ceasefire and Lebanon’s sovereignty. The air strikes, occurring after Israel’s campaign against Hezbollah last year, are viewed by Israeli officials as necessary measures to counteract what they describe as Hezbollah's attempts to regroup militarily.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz emphasized that the strikes serve as a "clear message" to both Hezbollah and the Lebanese government. Katz underscored Israel's stance to respond vigorously to any efforts aimed at reconstituting Hezbollah's military might. The ceasefire agreement, arranged with the help of US mediators, required Hezbollah to withdraw forces to positions north of the Litani River, allowing only the Lebanese army and UN peacekeepers to remain armed in that zone. Despite the accord, Israel maintains its military presence at critical sites in southern Lebanon, citing strategic concerns.
The events highlight a volatile situation in the region, where fears of resurgence in conflict linger amid fragile alliances and strict adherence to the stipulated ceasefire terms.
