Israel launched airstrikes on Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon, killing five, including senior operatives, as tensions escalate over ceasefire violations and renewed calls for Hezbollah’s disarmament.
The Israeli military announced late Wednesday that its fighter jets struck two Hezbollah-linked sites in southern Lebanon. The attacks targeted a base in Ansariyeh, between Tyre and Sidon, and a rocket-launching platform in the village of Jibeen.
Lebanese media reported that at least five people were killed in the strikes. Among them was Almunim Moussa Sweidan, a Hezbollah local representative in Yater, described as responsible for logistics, arms storage, and reconnaissance. In Shebaa, another member of Hezbollah’s “Lebanese Resistance Brigades” was killed in a separate attack.
Israel’s military insists Hezbollah’s operations in southern Lebanon violate ceasefire agreements. “The mission will continue until the threat is removed,” the army declared in a statement.
At the same time, international actors are voicing concerns. U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham warned that military options must be considered if diplomacy fails. Meanwhile, Lebanese army commander Rudolf Haykal announced plans for sensitive missions to disarm Hezbollah and Palestinian camps, a move supported by Washington.
Lebanon’s government has called for a disarmament plan by early September. Hezbollah, however, rejected the proposal, describing it as serving Israeli interests. While the November 2024 ceasefire has so far prevented a direct war, the risk of escalation between Israel and Hezbollah remains high.