According to Lebanese state media, Israel has conducted air strikes in Lebanon, focusing on areas in the east and south, with the Israeli military asserting it targeted Hezbollah locations, including smuggling routes along the Syrian border.
These air strikes have further strained an already fragile ceasefire between Israel and the Iran-supported militant group, which took effect on 27 November.
Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency reported that Israeli aircraft struck the outskirts of Janta in the eastern Baalbek region, as well as areas near Nabatieh in the south. It did not specify whether there were any injuries.
The Israeli military claimed it targeted various threats that had been communicated to ceasefire monitors.
These strikes occur just two weeks ahead of the 26 January deadline for the implementation of the November ceasefire, with both parties accusing one another of non-compliance.
The Israeli military indicated that its actions were “in accordance with the ceasefire understandings”.
As per the agreement, Hezbollah is expected to dismantle its remaining military infrastructure in the southern region and re-position its forces north of the Litani River, approximately 30 km from the border.
This month, the UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon accused Israel of a “flagrant violation” of the Security Council resolution that underpins the ceasefire.
According to the Lebanese health ministry, Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon resulted in the deaths of five individuals on Friday, while the Israeli military claimed it was targeting a Hezbollah weapons truck.
