Israel launched airstrikes on Lebanon on Saturday in retaliation for rockets fired at Israeli targets, marking the most intense exchange of fire since the ceasefire.
The rockets from Lebanon, which hit northern Israel, were launched earlier in the day, sparking concerns over the stability of the fragile ceasefire with Hezbollah. Israel had warned of a severe response to the attack, which targeted the town of Metula.
Israel-Hezbollah war: WB estimates $11 billion needed for reconstruction of Lebanon
The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah escalated after the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack from Gaza, leading to full-scale war in September. Israel’s massive airstrikes killed many Hezbollah leaders and left over 4,000 people dead in Lebanon. The ceasefire brokered in November required Israel to withdraw from all Lebanese territories by January, with the deadline extended to February 18. However, Israel has remained in five locations across Lebanon, continuing airstrikes on southern and eastern regions, which it claims were aimed at Hezbollah.
Israel’s Prime Minister instructed the military to strike dozens of targets in Lebanon, asserting that Israel would not tolerate threats to its sovereignty. No comments have been made by Hezbollah. Lebanon's Prime Minister, Nawaf Salam, urged the Lebanese military to take necessary actions while expressing a desire to avoid war.
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) expressed concern over the potential escalation and called for restraint, warning of serious consequences for the region.
The strikes occurred after Israel announced its plans to intensify operations in Gaza until Hamas releases the 59 hostages it holds. Israeli airstrikes the previous night resulted in the deaths of at least nine people, including three children. Israel also destroyed Gaza's only specialized cancer hospital, accusing Hamas of using it as a base. Around 600 Palestinians have been killed since Israel resumed its operations earlier this week.
War-torn Lebanon forms its first government in over 2 years
International condemnation of the attacks has been widespread. Foreign ministers from the UK, France, and Germany called Israel's actions in Gaza a major setback, urging an immediate return to a ceasefire.
The ongoing conflict has killed over 49,000 Palestinians, with Israel claiming that around 20,000 were militants, though this figure remains unverified.