Israel Conducts Airstrikes in Southern Lebanon Amid Ceasefire Monitoring Talks

Israel carried out airstrikes in southern Lebanon, targeting areas it identified as Hezbollah weapons warehouses. Residents in towns including Mjadel, Baraachit, Jbaa, and Mahrouna were advised to evacuate prior to the strikes. No casualties have been reported.

An Israeli military spokesperson stated that the targeted sites violated the ceasefire agreement and emphasized Israel's commitment to "remove any threat" to its security.

These airstrikes occurred shortly after Israel and Lebanon held their first direct talks in decades. The meeting took place in Naqoura, at the headquarters of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), and included civilian representatives from both nations. The discussions aimed to monitor the ceasefire established in November 2024 and explore potential economic cooperation.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office described the meeting as "an initial attempt to create a basis for a relationship and economic cooperation between Israel and Lebanon." However, Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam clarified that Lebanon remains "far" from diplomatic normalization with Israel, focusing instead on "defusing tension."

The recent airstrikes and diplomatic engagements coincide with a visit by a United Nations Security Council delegation to Lebanon, reviewing the implementation of the ceasefire agreement.