The Israeli military launched a series of airstrikes on various parts of Lebanon on Thursday. According to Al Jazeera, this marked yet another violation of the ceasefire agreement signed with Hezbollah in November. These attacks are now happening almost daily.
Lebanon's National News Agency reported that at least seven airstrikes hit towns in the Bekaa Valley and the Baalbek region in the east and northeast—far from the usual southern conflict zones. More air raids struck the Ghaziyeh area in southern Lebanon, causing a warehouse fire.
Israel’s Defence Minister Yoav Gallant confirmed the attacks. Speaking to Channel 12, he called it a “violent renewed attack on the largest site for the production of precision missiles belonging to Hezbollah in Lebanon.” He warned, “Every attempt by the terrorist organisation to recover, reposition, or threaten will be met with relentless force.”
The strikes reportedly hit several key areas, including Brital, Nasiriyah (Bekaa), Tallet al-Sunduq, Jarmak in Jezzine, and regions like Mahmoudiya and Khardali.
On the same day, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun again urged Hezbollah to hand over its weapons to the national army. During a televised speech from the Defence Ministry, he said, “The extension of the Lebanese state's authority over all its territory, the removal of weapons from all armed groups, including Hezbollah and their handover to the Lebanese army.”
He addressed Hezbollah’s supporters directly, calling them an “essential pillar” of the nation, and stressed, “For the thousandth time, I assure you that my concern in having a [state] weapons monopoly comes from my concern to defend Lebanon's sovereignty and borders.”
Meanwhile, Hezbollah’s leader Naim Qassem responded strongly. On Wednesday, he said, “Anyone calling today for the surrender of weapons, whether internally or externally, on the Arab or the international stage, is serving the Israeli project.” His statement was also reported by Al Jazeera.
This ongoing tension began on October 8, 2023, when Hezbollah launched attacks on Israel in support of Hamas during Israel’s operation in Gaza. Though both sides agreed to a ceasefire in November, Israel has continued to carry out airstrikes and insists Hezbollah must disarm.
The agreement had stated that Hezbollah would pull its forces north of the Litani River, while Israel would remove its troops from Lebanese territory. However, Israel has not withdrawn from five key locations.
President Aoun suggested changes to the U.S.-mediated disarmament deal. His proposal includes:
An immediate halt to Israeli attacks
Full withdrawal of Israeli troops from Lebanon
Release of Lebanese prisoners
A plan to reinforce the Lebanese Army
He added, “Today, we must choose between collapse and stability.”
Aoun’s plan also asks for $1 billion per year from global donors for the next 10 years to support the Lebanese Army. In addition, it suggests organizing a donor conference to help rebuild areas damaged during recent fighting, as reported by Al Jazeera.
