Israel launches air attack on southern Lebanon following historic direct talks

The Israeli Defense Forces launched a series of air strikes across southern Lebanon, occurring less than 24 hours after Israel and Lebanon engaged in their first direct diplomatic discussions in decades. Residents in the towns of Mjadel, Baraachit, Jbaa, and Mahrouna were urged to evacuate areas near sites that Israel claimed were weapon storage facilities linked to an Iranian-backed group. No injuries or deaths have been reported.

An Israeli military spokesperson described the targeted locations as breaches of the ceasefire and emphasized that Israel would continue operations to neutralize perceived threats to its security.

Since a ceasefire took effect in November 2024, following over a year of conflict, Israel has conducted frequent air strikes in Lebanon. There has been no immediate official response from Lebanese authorities regarding Thursday's raids, though past strikes have drawn condemnation as violations of the ceasefire.

The initial phase of a U.S.- and French-brokered agreement required Israeli forces to withdraw from southern Lebanon, while Hezbollah was expected to remove fighters and weapons from south of the Litani River, approximately 30 km from the Israeli bordera condition opposed by the group and its allies. Despite this, Israel has maintained strategic positions near the border and intensified air operations in recent weeks, citing Hezbollah's military rebuilding and perceived insufficient action from the Lebanese government to disarm the group.

The attacks occurred shortly after civilian envoys from both nations met in Naqoura, at the UN peacekeeping mission headquarters, marking the first direct talks in decades. The meeting, part of the ceasefire monitoring committee discussions, previously included only military representatives from the U.S., France, Lebanon, Israel, and UNIFIL.

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office described the meeting as conducted in a positive atmosphere, noting discussions on potential economic cooperation. However, Israeli officials reiterated that Hezbollah's disarmament remains a non-negotiable condition regardless of economic progress.

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam expressed caution, stating that Lebanon is still far from full diplomatic normalization with Israel. He emphasized that the talks focused on reducing tensions, halting hostilities, securing the release of Lebanese detainees held in Israel, and ensuring Israel's complete withdrawal from Lebanese territory. Salam also indicated openness to deploying U.S. and French forces to monitor Hezbollah's disarmament efforts.

These developments coincide with a visit by a UN Security Council delegation to Lebanon, reviewing the ongoing challenges in implementing the ceasefire agreement.

Author: Ethan Caldwell