Israeli military strikes targeted southern Lebanon on Sunday, resulting in one fatality and one injury, according to the Lebanese health ministry. The attack escalates tensions in a region where a ceasefire has been in place since November 2024, aiming to end hostilities linked to the Gaza war.
Details of the Attack in Yater
The Lebanese health ministry in Beirut reported that two separate Israeli strikes hit a vehicle and a motorbike in the town of Yater. This town is situated approximately five kilometres, or three miles, from the Israeli border. The strikes led to the death of one individual and left another wounded.
In its own statements, the Israeli military claimed it had targeted Hezbollah members in the Yater area. It first stated it struck one "Hezbollah terrorist," followed by a second announcement of hitting another in the same vicinity. Israel maintains regular operations in Lebanon, asserting it aims at Hezbollah's infrastructure and operatives.
Broader Context and Disarmament Pressure
Despite the truce agreed in late 2024, Israel has continued its military presence in five areas of south Lebanon it considers strategic. The ceasefire was intended to halt over a year of fighting with the Iran-backed Hezbollah group, which began alongside the Gaza conflict.
In a related development on Sunday, Lebanon's army announced it had discovered and dismantled an Israeli espionage device in Yarun, another border town in the south. This incident underscores the ongoing covert operations in the region.
Under significant international pressure, primarily from the United States, Lebanon has pledged to disarm Hezbollah. The plan involves removing the group's weapons from areas south of the Litani River, about 30 kilometres from Israel, by the end of the year. However, Israel has expressed doubts about the Lebanese military's capability to achieve this and has accused Hezbollah of rearming itself.
International Reactions and Ongoing Dialogue
During a visit to Israel on the same day, US Senator Lindsey Graham echoed the accusations of rearmament. In a video statement released by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office, Graham stated his impression that Hezbollah is attempting to produce more weapons, calling it an "unacceptable outcome."
The human cost remains high. An AFP tally based on Lebanese health ministry reports indicates that more than 340 people have been killed by Israeli fire in Lebanon since the November 2024 ceasefire took effect.
Diplomatic efforts continue alongside the violence. This week, during talks in Paris, Lebanon's army chief agreed to document progress on disarming Hezbollah. Furthermore, on Friday, Lebanese and Israeli civilian representatives held a second meeting under the ceasefire monitoring committee, following their first direct talks in decades earlier this month. Israel described the meeting as part of efforts to ensure Hezbollah's disarmament and enhance border security.
