Israel launched a series of airstrikes into southern Lebanon early this morning, targeting what the military described as Hezbollah rocket launch sites. The bombardment, which struck near the border villages of Kfar Kila and Mays al-Jabal, came hours after a partial ceasefire brokered by British diplomats took effect at midnight.
The truce, agreed after three days of intense fighting along the Blue Line, is limited to a 10-mile corridor north of the Israeli border. Britain’s ambassador to Lebanon, James Hogg, confirmed the arrangement in a statement from Beirut, noting that both Israel and Hezbollah had “made clear they would observe the stand-down in that zone.”
However, the airstrikes suggest the calm remains fragile. Israeli officials said the operation was a response to a rocket attack that struck the town of Metula at 2 a.m., violating the ceasefire. Hezbollah has not claimed responsibility. The Israeli Defence Forces said they “reserve the right to respond to any breach.”
At the United Nations in New York, the Security Council is scheduled to hold an emergency session this afternoon. Britain’s mission to the UN described the truce as “an essential first step to prevent a broader conflagration.” The partial nature of the deal has raised concerns among diplomats that the violence could resume.
In southern Lebanon, residents reported hearing explosions throughout the night. The Lebanese Civil Defence said no casualties were reported from the strikes, but several homes were damaged. The UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) said its patrols were continuing to monitor the situation, urging all parties to “exercise maximum restraint.”
British diplomatic sources said the truce was achieved after two days of shuttle diplomacy between London, Tel Aviv and Beirut. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak spoke separately to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati on Tuesday. The Foreign Office described the atmosphere in both calls as “constructive.”
Analysts are watching for signs of whether the partial truce can be extended. Hezbollah has not officially commented on the agreement, though its political allies in Beirut have welcomed any de-escalation. The Israeli government is divided, with hardline ministers pressing for a more robust military campaign.
The current crisis erupted on Sunday when Hezbollah fired anti-tank missiles at an Israeli military convoy. Israel responded with artillery and air assets, and by Monday had struck targets deep inside Lebanese territory. The exchange was the most serious since the 2006 war and threatened to draw in other regional actors.
The role of British diplomats as interlocutors reflects London’s long-standing ties to both countries. Britain maintains a military assistance mission in Lebanon but also has close intelligence links with Israel. The Foreign Office said it stands ready to “facilitate further confidence-building measures.”
For now, the partial truce has reduced the immediate threat of escalation, but no one is declaring success. The UN special coordinator for Lebanon, Joanna Wronecka, warned that “the situation remains volatile and could deteriorate without sustained diplomatic engagement.”
