The Israeli military conducted airstrikes in southern Lebanon on Wednesday, targeting Hezbollah infrastructure following a drone strike that resulted in one fatality and multiple injuries, including students on a bus. The escalation in tensions between Israel and militant groups manifested in these strikes. An airstrike the previous night in the Palestinian refugee camp of Ein el-Hilweh led to the death of 13 individuals, marking the deadliest Israeli attack since a ceasefire was established in the Israel-Hezbollah conflict a year ago.
Israel’s military issued a warning of impending strikes on various villages in southern Lebanon, labeling them as Hezbollah infrastructure and advising civilians to evacuate the areas. Subsequently, airstrikes commenced in the villages of Shehour and Deir Kifa, with no immediate reports on casualties.
The Israeli military alleged that Hezbollah was actively re-establishing itself and enhancing its capabilities in southern Lebanon. It accused Hezbollah of integrating weapons facilities within civilian areas, violating agreements between Israel and Lebanon. Notably, a ceasefire and Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon were agreed upon last year, with Lebanon committing to suppressing Hezbollah’s activities in the region.
The drone strike earlier in Tiri, southern Lebanon, targeted a car, resulting in one fatality and injuring 11 people, including students on a nearby bus, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry and state media. The State-run National News Agency reported that a school bus carrying students passed near the strike location, leading to injuries among the students and the bus driver.
The identity of the deceased individual in the car remains unknown, with the Israeli military later confirming the elimination of a Hezbollah operative in the strike. In Ein el-Hilweh, life appeared normal on Wednesday, although authorities barred journalists from accessing the area. At the strike site, paramedics scoured for remains amidst blood-stained walls, burnt vehicles, and scattered debris.
Furthermore, the Israeli military claimed to have targeted a Hamas training compound on Tuesday night, citing it as a preparation ground for attacks against Israel. Hamas refuted these claims, asserting that the hit facility was not affiliated with their organization. Palestinian factions in Lebanon had earlier begun surrendering their weapons to the Lebanese government, part of efforts to disarm groups within the refugee camps.
Efforts to disarm Hezbollah by the government have faced opposition from the group, citing Israel’s occupation of border hills and frequent strikes as obstacles to disarmament. The recent conflict between Israel and Hezbollah commenced in October 2023, triggered by Hamas’ attack on southern Israel, and subsequent rocket fire from Hezbollah in solidarity with Hamas. The conflict inflicted significant casualties and destruction, with over 4,000 deaths in Lebanon and an estimated $11 billion in damages, as reported by the World Bank. In Israel, 127 individuals lost their lives, including 80 soldiers.
