Israeli Airstrikes Target Hezbollah Positions in Southern Lebanon

Israel launched a series of airstrikes in southern Lebanon, targeting positions associated with the Iranian-backed group Hezbollah. The Israeli military stated that the strikes were in response to Hezbollah's attempts to re-establish activities in the area. An Israeli military spokesperson noted that the targets were Hezbollah infrastructure, but did not provide specific evidence.

Prior to the strikes, evacuation warnings were issued for several villages, including Mais al-Jabal, Kfar Tibnit, and Debbin. Footage from Mais al-Jabal showed significant plumes of smoke following the attacks. There have been no immediate reports of casualties.

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam condemned the airstrikes, stating that Lebanon is committed to ceasing hostile actions and questioned Israel's adherence to ceasefire obligations. He called on the international community, especially the countries sponsoring the ceasefire, to exert maximum pressure on Israel to immediately stop its aggressions, withdraw from Lebanese territory, and release prisoners.

The ceasefire agreement, brokered by the United States and France, requires Lebanon to prevent Hezbollah and other armed groups from conducting operations against Israel, while Israel is to refrain from offensive military actions against Lebanese targets. Despite this, Israeli airstrikes have continued, with reports indicating over 50 strikes in April alone. Hezbollah has denied responsibility for recent rocket launches into Israel and has stated its commitment to the ceasefire.

The Lebanese government has tasked the army with establishing a state monopoly on arms, a decision that Hezbollah has opposed, asserting that it will only consider disarmament once Israel withdraws from strategic positions, halts airstrikes, and releases Lebanese prisoners. The situation remains tense, with both sides accusing each other of violating the ceasefire terms.