The rockets launched from Lebanon marked the second instance of such an attack since December, raising further doubts about the sustainability of the ceasefire. In a statement, Hezbollah refuted any involvement in the recent assault, asserting its dedication to maintaining the truce.
Israel launched strikes on Lebanon on Saturday in response to rocket attacks aimed at its territory, resulting in the deaths of two individuals, including a child. This incident marks the most intense exchange of fire since the ceasefire with the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah was established nearly four months ago.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz authorized “a second wave of strikes targeting numerous Hezbollah positions in Lebanon” late Saturday, according to the defense ministry.
The ministry indicated that these strikes were “a reaction to the rocket fire directed at Israel and a continuation of the initial series of strikes conducted earlier that morning” in southern Lebanon, where a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah had been in effect since November.
According to Lebanon’s health ministry, the attack in the southern village of Touline resulted in two fatalities, including a child, and left eight others injured, among them two children.
In a statement, Lebanon’s Prime Minister Nawaf Salam urged the Lebanese military to take all necessary actions in the southern region but emphasized that the country does not wish to revert to war.
Hezbollah commenced its rocket, drone, and missile assaults on Israel the day following Hamas’ attack from Gaza on October 7, 2023, which escalated the conflict. The Israel-Hezbollah confrontation escalated into full-scale war in September, as Israel conducted extensive airstrikes that eliminated many of the militant group’s senior leaders. The violence has resulted in over 4,000 casualties in Lebanon and displaced approximately 60,000 Israelis.
Under a ceasefire agreement reached on November 27, Israeli forces were expected to withdraw from all Lebanese territory by late January, with the deadline later extended to February 18.
However, Israel has maintained a presence in five locations within Lebanon, opposite communities in northern Israel. It has executed numerous airstrikes in southern and eastern Lebanon, claiming to target Hezbollah, while also conducting drone operations that have resulted in the deaths of several members of the militant group.
Lebanon has sought the intervention of the U.N. to compel Israel to complete its withdrawal from the country.
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, referred to as UNIFIL, expressed concern regarding the potential increase in violence and called on all involved parties to refrain from actions that could undermine the advancements achieved.
