Israel Conducts Drone Strikes Targeting Hezbollah Operatives in Southern Lebanon
In a series of targeted drone strikes on Saturday, Israel reportedly killed two members of the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the attacks, stating that the individuals were involved in activities that violated agreements between Israel and Lebanon.
The first strike occurred in Khiam, where an operative from Hezbollah’s elite Radwan force was killed. The IDF claimed that the individual was attempting to restore Hezbollah’s operational capabilities in the area. According to the military, these actions represented a clear breach of the understandings between the two nations.
Later that same day, another drone strike took place in Yohmor, resulting in the death of Ahmad Mohammad Salah. The IDF identified him as being responsible for overseeing Hezbollah’s forces in the town. Additionally, the military stated that Salah was involved in efforts to reestablish Hezbollah’s presence in the region.
Since the implementation of a ceasefire agreement in November, Israel has maintained a presence at five strategic locations in Lebanon. While the agreement aims to reduce hostilities, the IDF has continued to conduct occasional strikes against targets it claims are violating the terms of the ceasefire.
Lebanese state media reported on Tuesday that Israeli airstrikes resulted in the deaths of 12 people in the northeastern Beqaa Valley. Among the casualties, seven were Syrian nationals. The IDF stated that the strikes were aimed at military facilities linked to the Radwan force, where operatives and weapon depots had been detected.
According to Israeli sources, the Radwan force had planned a large-scale invasion of northern Israel in recent years. However, this plan was put on hold after Hamas launched an attack on southern Israel from Gaza on October 7, 2023. This event triggered widespread conflict in the region.
In response to the attack, Hezbollah began launching rockets, drones, and anti-tank missiles at northern Israeli communities. These attacks became nearly daily occurrences, leading to the displacement of approximately 60,000 residents in the region.
To ensure the safe return of displaced residents, Israel intensified its operations in Lebanon in September. This led to two months of open conflict with Hezbollah, during which the group’s leadership and military assets were significantly weakened.
The current ceasefire agreement allows Israel to target immediate threats. However, it requires Jerusalem to address less urgent issues through an international committee. This arrangement is intended to prevent escalation while maintaining a level of security for both sides.
Hezbollah is currently facing pressure from Lebanon’s Western-backed government to disarm. This could potentially lead to an agreement where Israel would cease its attacks and withdraw its forces south of the border. Such a development would mark a significant shift in the ongoing regional tensions.
As the situation continues to evolve, the actions of both Israel and Hezbollah remain under close scrutiny by regional and international observers. The balance between security, diplomacy, and conflict resolution remains a critical challenge in the region.
