Israel Conducts Airstrikes in Southern Lebanon Amid Hezbollah Disarmament Deadline

Israeli warplanes conducted airstrikes on Wednesday morning in southern Lebanon's Nabatieh region, targeting areas including Houmin, Wadi Azza, and Nimeiriya. The Israeli military stated that the strikes aimed at Hezbollah's launching sites and military infrastructure, which it described as violations of existing agreements between Israel and Lebanon.

Residents reported the presence of Israeli drones over the affected areas and other parts of southern Lebanon and the eastern Bekaa Valley following the strikes. These operations occur as the year-end deadline approaches for the Lebanese army to disarm Hezbollah south of the Litani River, approximately 20 miles from the Israeli border. This disarmament is part of a U.S.-approved plan that also calls for Israeli forces to withdraw from Lebanese territory. However, Israeli troops continue to occupy five positions in the south and conduct ground operations there.

Lebanese officials assert that they have nearly completed the disarmament process in the south. Deputy Prime Minister Tarek Mitri stated on December 17 that the government is "strictly observing" the ceasefire, while accusing Israel of continual violations. Conversely, Israel contends that Hezbollah is attempting to rebuild its military capabilities along the border.

In November, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz addressed parliament, stating, "There will be no calm in Beirut, nor order and stability in Lebanon, until the security of the state of Israel is guaranteed... Hezbollah: we will disarm them."

The Lebanese government has appealed to the international community to intervene and halt what it describes as near-daily infringements on its sovereignty by Israel.