Israel launched a series of strikes on South Lebanon on Saturday after the Israeli military issued evacuation warnings to residents in several villages amid a fragile ceasefire with Hezbollah, according to Asharq Al Awsat.
“In light of the terrorist Hezbollah‘s violation of the ceasefire agreement, the IDF is compelled to act against it forcefully,” the Israeli military’s Arabic-language spokesman Avichay Adraee posted on X.
Israeli warplanes “carried out an airstrike on the town of Zrariyeh following the morning evacuation warning,” Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency reported.
Moreover, the agency reported Israeli airstrikes and artillery fire on multiple areas across southern Lebanon that had not been covered by the evacuation warning, with a number of casualties reported in several locations.
War in Iran
On February 28, the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran, targeting its leadership and triggering a new conflict in the Middle East.
Iran has been responding with a retaliatory counterattack in Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi as a retaliatory move, while launching barrages of missiles and drones toward Israel.
The conflict has spread across the Middle East, leaving thousands dead, triggering unprecedented disruptions to energy supplies especially after the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
Lebanon Involvement
Lebanon was drawn into the conflict on March 2 when Hezbollah launched a series of attacks to support its ally, Tehran.
As a result, Israel has launched an extensive military campaign that has since killed more than 2,000 people.
Extended Ceasefire
Trump has recently announced a three-week extension of the ceasefire last week after hosting the Israeli and Lebanese ambassadors at the White House.
Despite the fact that the ceasefire has significantly reduced hostilities, Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah have continued to trade blows in southern Lebanon.
Israeli forces remain deployed within a self-declared “buffer zone,” maintaining an active military presence along the frontier.
A US official told Axios that Washington seeks to “massively increase” its political campaign against Hezbollah, while also exploring new avenues to elevate the capabilities of the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF).
The official also noted that the US intends to take this step “on a very rapid timetable.”
Related Topics:
US-Iran Clashes in Hormuz Cast Doubt on Shaky Ceasefire
Trump Announces 10-Day Ceasefire between Lebanon, Israel
Lebanon to Press for Ceasefire Renewal at Washington Meeting
