Israel carries out fresh attacks in southern Lebanon on anniversary of ceasefire.

On Thursday, the Israeli military conducted a fresh wave of attacks against Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon, marking exactly one year since a ceasefire was established between the two sides. Lebanon's state-run National News Agency reported that Israeli jets targeted the areas of Al-Mahmoudiya and Al-Jarmak, located just north of the Litani River.

The ceasefire, which began on November 27, 2024, was intended to end more than a year of hostilities. Despite the truce, Israel has frequently carried out airstrikes in Lebanon, citing the need to prevent Hezbollah from rearming and to dismantle its military infrastructure.

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam described the situation as a "one-sided war of attrition that is escalating."

The Israeli military stated that the Thursday strikes "destroyed Hezbollah terror infrastructure across multiple locations in southern Lebanon." The operation reportedly hit storage facilities containing weapons, launch sites, and military posts used by the Iran-backed group. Israel affirmed that it will "continue operations to neutralize any threats to the State of Israel."

Since the ceasefire, Israel claims to have undertaken approximately 1,200 targeted operations and eliminated over 370 militants linked to Hezbollah, Hamas, and other Palestinian groups. The goal, according to Israel, has been to prevent Hezbollah from rebuilding its military capacity, interrupt its intelligence operations, and degrade its overall strength.

Under the ceasefire agreement, Hezbollah was required to withdraw north of the Litani River, around 30 kilometers (20 miles) from the Israeli border, and dismantle military infrastructure south of that line. The Lebanese army is tasked with overseeing the disarmament of Hezbollahs positions south of the river by the end of the year, before extending efforts nationwide. The United States has pressured Lebanon to enforce this disarmament, though Israel and Washington accuse the Lebanese authorities of delaying the process.

President Joseph Aoun dismissed Israeli accusations, stating that the Lebanese army has been actively "preventing armed displays, confiscating ammunition, and inspecting tunnels," among other measures. On Thursday, Aoun met with Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, the UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon, who noted that a year after the ceasefire, "uncertainty remains" and warned that the potential for future conflict persists as long as the current status quo continues.

The UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) reported Thursday evening that it continues to uncover illegal weapons in southern Lebanon. UNIFIL also recorded over 10,000 air and ground violations of the ceasefire during the past year.

Earlier this week, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz warned that there would be "no calm" in Lebanon unless Israels security concerns are addressed. A recent Israeli strike in the southern suburbs of Beirut killed Haitham Ali Tabatabai, marking the highest-ranking Hezbollah commander killed by Israel since the ceasefire began.

Prime Minister Salam criticized Hezbollah's claim that its arsenal deters Israeli aggression, stating that the group's weapons have failed to protect leaders, citizens, or property, and have neither provided effective deterrence nor contributed to military success.

Analysis: A Year After the Ceasefire - Unresolved Tensions and Escalating Strikes

One year has passed since the ceasefire was established between Israel and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, yet the situation remains volatile and fraught with tension. Despite the truce, Israel's continued airstrikes against Hezbollah positions underscore the fragility of the agreement and the ongoing conflict dynamics in the region.

The recent Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon, reported by the National News Agency, are a clear demonstration of Israel's commitment to neutralizing Hezbollah's military capabilities. Israel has targeted key Hezbollah infrastructure, including weapon storage facilities and launch sites. While these strikes are framed as defensive actions, their frequency and intensity suggest that the ceasefire has done little to stem the underlying causes of the conflict.

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam's description of the situation as a "one-sided war of attrition" highlights the asymmetry of the conflict. Hezbollah, despite the ceasefire terms, has not fully dismantled its military infrastructure south of the Litani River. The Lebanese army, tasked with overseeing this disarmament, has faced criticism for not fulfilling its responsibilities in a timely manner, though President Joseph Aoun has defended the army's actions.

Despite these challenges, it is evident that the ceasefire has not resolved the broader security concerns of either party. Israel's continued strikes and Hezbollah's defiant posture suggest that the region is stuck in a cycle of mistrust and military operations, which could persist unless a comprehensive and mutually agreeable solution is reached.

The United Nations has expressed concern over the ongoing violations of the ceasefire, with over 10,000 reported incidents of air and ground breaches over the past year. As long as the current status quo endures, the potential for renewed conflict remains high, with both sides continuing to engage in operations that undermine the ceasefire's long-term stability.

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• Israel launches new strikes in south Lebanon on ceasefire anniversary