Israeli strikes kill four in south Lebanon
Ongoing attacks defy ceasefire as Beirut weighs Hezbollah arms plan
At least four people were killed in a series of Israeli airstrikes across southern Lebanon, with health officials reporting one fatality each in the towns of Taybeh, Shebaa, Yater, and Khraibeh. The attacks also resulted in several injuries, as Israeli warplanes and drones targeted various locations. In addition to these strikes, heavy airstrikes were reported between the towns of Ansariyeh and Adloun, leading to the death of a man from the Syrian community and several minor injuries.
The Israeli military also conducted an incursion on the outskirts of Aitaroun, where they blew up a house. Reports indicated that Israeli drones dropped stun grenades in Houla, although no injuries were reported. Drones were observed extensively over several southern towns, including Nabatieh and Iqlim al-Tuffah, with one drone dropping a grenade near an excavator in Yaroun.
These developments follow a recent drone strike that killed a Lebanese civilian in the Nabatieh district, part of a broader wave of Israeli airstrikes that have ignited fires and damaged homes. Israel's military offensive in Lebanon began in October 2023 and escalated into a full-scale war by September 2024, resulting in over 4,000 deaths and around 17,000 injuries.
Despite a ceasefire reached in November, Israeli forces have continued near-daily attacks in southern Lebanon, claiming to target Hezbollah activities. Under the truce, Israel was expected to withdraw from southern Lebanon by January 26, but this deadline has been extended to February 18 due to non-compliance. Israel maintains a military presence at five border outposts.
Amid these tensions, the Lebanese government is preparing to discuss a U.S.-backed disarmament plan aimed at Hezbollah’s arsenal, which has sparked internal controversy. While Hezbollah and its ally Amal oppose the initiative, other political factions support it as a means to restore state authority.
