Israel launched airstrikes on southern Lebanon after ordering evacuations, accusing Hezbollah of rebuilding its forces despite a year-old ceasefire, as Lebanon and the United Nations warned of renewed border tensions.
The Israeli military said the strikes targeted Hezbollah facilities and accused the group of trying to restore its armed network in southern Lebanon. The attacks followed evacuation orders issued for villages including Aita al-Jabal, Al-Tayyiba, and Tayr Debba, as well as other nearby areas.
Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee announced the orders on X at 3 p.m. local time (1300 GMT), sharing maps that marked buildings within the targeted zones. Residents were told to stay at least 500 metres away. Lebanon’s civil defence said it helped people evacuate from the area, and about an hour later, airstrikes began, sending thick plumes of smoke into the sky.
Lebanon’s health ministry reported one person killed in the morning and seven wounded later in the day. In the southern town of Abbasiyeh, one of the strikes destroyed an ironworks shop.
“This shop was supporting five to six households,” said owner Ahmad al-Kayyal. “What does a blacksmith do? Chairs, tables, doors, windows, railings—that’s the blacksmith’s job.”
Israeli government spokesperson Shosh Bedrosian said Israel would not allow Hezbollah to rearm or recover the military strength it lost in the 2023–24 conflict.
“Israel will continue to defend all of its borders, and we continue also to insist on the full enforcement of the ceasefire agreement between Lebanon and Israel,” she said.
Hezbollah responded that it remained committed to the ceasefire but retained a “legitimate right” to resist Israel. The group said it had not fired on Israel since the truce came into effect last year and had not obstructed Lebanese army operations in the south.
Earlier on Thursday, Lebanon’s cabinet met to hear an update from army commander Rodolphe Haykal on progress in confiscating Hezbollah weapons in the south. Two senior Lebanese security officials told Reuters before the strikes that the army was making faster progress and aimed to complete the disarmament process by year’s end.
The Lebanese army condemned the airstrikes as “a continuation of the enemy’s destructive approach aimed at undermining Lebanon’s stability and widening destruction in the south.”
The UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) said the strikes were “clear violations” of Security Council resolution 1701 and urged both sides to avoid escalation.
Fears have been rising in Lebanon that Israel could resume a broader bombing campaign.
“We are in a very dangerous situation; if things keep heading this way... then all hope is lost. No one knows where the consequences of these matters will lead,” said Farid Nahnouh, mayor of Tayr Debba.
Iran has said the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until the U.S. fulfils the terms of an interim deal, including lifting the maritime blockade ...
Ukraine has targeted at least 20 Wildberries warehouses across Russia since 18 July, disrupting a major logistics network. Kyiv says the strikes ai...
Kyrgyzstan is seeking to boost fuel imports from China as it looks to diversify supplies and reduce the risks of its heavy reliance on Russia....
U.S. President Donald Trump says Washington is not seeking an extension of its memorandum of understanding with Iran, claiming the U.S. already controls the Strait of Hormuz through its naval blockade.
Iran has said the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until the U.S. fulfils the terms of an interim deal, including lifting the maritime blockade and sanctions and releasing Iran’s frozen assets.
Ukraine has targeted at least 20 Wildberries warehouses across Russia since 18 July, disrupting a major logistics network. Kyiv says the strikes aim to disrupt alleged military-linked supplies, while the attacks have caused billions of dollars in losses and wider economic pressure.
South Korea's presidential Blue House said on Monday it was reviewing U.S. President Donald Trump's comments on scaling back joint military drills. It added that it hoped a favourable relationship between Washington and Pyongyang could lead to meaningful talks.
Azerbaijan exported goods worth $17.372 million to Armenia between January and July 2026, according to data from the State Customs Committee, as commercial ties between the two South Caucasus neighbours showed signs of expansion.
Kyrgyzstan is seeking to boost fuel imports from China as it looks to diversify supplies and reduce the risks of its heavy reliance on Russia.
At least 42 children were injured in an explosion at an educational centre in western Kabul on Monday, sparking international calls for a full investigation.
Uzbekistan could lose up to $1.5 billion if escalating Middle East tensions disrupt vital trade and logistics routes through Iran, putting pressure on supply chains and the wider economy.
Azerbaijan has summoned Russia’s ambassador in Baku over recent Russian media comments it described as insulting, provocative and threatening towards the country, its people and leadership.
Israel and the United States have agreed to establish two working groups on Gaza’s future as Washington pushes to turn a fragile ceasefire into a broader political and security arrangement.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment