Israel launched fresh strikes on southern Lebanon today, targeting what it described as Hezbollah military infrastructure. The attacks come despite a partial ceasefire agreement that has largely held since Thursday, when a US-brokered truce ended the deadliest cross-border fighting in years. The strikes hit several locations near the border, with no immediate reports of casualties.
Hezbollah did not retaliate, prompting cautious optimism from diplomats that the ceasefire may yet survive. The truce, which halted Israeli airstrikes that killed dozens and Hezbollah rocket fire that reached deep into Israeli territory, remains fragile. Local residents in southern Lebanon described a tense calm, with sporadic explosions breaking the silence.
The Israeli military said the strikes were a response to violations by Hezbollah, which it accused of moving rocket launchers. Hezbollah denied the claim. The situation underscores the precariousness of the peace, which for now has spared civilians on both sides further trauma.
But with deep mistrust remaining, the question is whether this pause can become a genuine end to hostilities.
