"This is not a way to live": Security and long-standing beliefs destroyed in south Lebanon during Israeli strikes

Last Friday, around 19:00, an Israeli air strike targeted a vehicle in the southern Lebanese village of Froun. This region, a center of the Shia Muslim community, has long been influenced by Hezbollah, the Lebanese Shia militia and political organization. Streets are lined with banners honoring fighters killed in past conflicts, portrayed as martyrs of the resistance.

Rescue teams arrived shortly after the strike and removed the remains of the only fatality, a man described by the Israeli military as a "Hezbollah operative." Despite a ceasefire established last November, Israel has continued near-daily airstrikes on the region.

One local resident, Mohamad Mokdad, whose house was near the car strike, described the aftermath: There were body parts here and in the trees. We just want to live in peace. I dont want anyone interfering.

Israel states its operations are aimed at preventing Hezbollah from rebuilding its military capabilities. Visiting southern Lebanon, I observed the persistent fear and erosion of long-standing assumptions in areas historically supportive of Hezbollah.

The ceasefire, brokered by the US and France, concluded a 13-month war that left 4,000 Lebanese and 120 Israelis dead. The agreement required Hezbollah to withdraw fighters and weapons from the south of the Litani River, while Israeli troops pulled back from areas they had occupied. Thousands of Lebanese soldiers were deployed to restore control in previously Hezbollah-dominated zones.

However, Israel still occupies several strategic positions in southern Lebanon and continues air and drone strikes on locations it claims are Hezbollah-linked. Last Sunday, Israeli forces killed the groups chief of staff and four others in Dahieh, near Beirut. According to the UN peacekeeping force UNIFIL, Israel has violated the ceasefire more than 10,000 times since its enforcement. Lebanese authorities report over 330 deaths, including civilians, due to Israeli attacks.

Israel alleges Hezbollah is rebuilding military strength south of the Litani and attempting to smuggle weapons into Lebanon, while producing explosive drones. The evidence for these claims has not been publicly released, though Israeli media have discussed possible escalations. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned Hezbollah against defying the truce, criticizing the Lebanese president for inaction.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, in office since January, has pledged a "state monopoly on arms" to disarm Hezbollah. Yet the group remains a major political party and social movement, providing services where the state is absent. UNIFIL has reported no observed military activity by Hezbollah in violation of the ceasefire, and the group denies Israels allegations, insisting the truce applies only south of the Litani.

In Beit Lif, residents expressed fear of Israeli attacks. Lt Col Avichay Adraee, Israeli army spokesperson, warned the village of supposed Hezbollah infrastructure, prompting a request for Lebanese army protection. Despite these warnings, Israeli forces have not struck the village.

Locals voiced frustration with Hezbollahs continued presence. One man, Haider, invited me to inspect his house, previously flagged by Israel as a militant site. He emphasized their desire for stability and normal life, stating, Were done. Were worn out.

Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem recently reiterated that the group will not surrender its weapons, which he calls essential for their survival. Hezbollahs military power, exceeding Lebanons national army, remains a contentious issue domestically, with opponents accusing the group of drawing Lebanon into conflict to serve Iranian interests.

In Yaroun, a border village devastated during the war, displaced residents live under constant drone surveillance. Nayef al-Rida, one of the few remaining villagers, described life there as frightening and uncertain, adding, We wait for Gods mercy. This is no life.

Lebanons reconstruction remains stalled, in part due to the unresolved disarmament of Hezbollah and ongoing Israeli control along the border. The future of the region hinges on delicate negotiations and the willingness of both Hezbollah and Lebanese authorities to adhere to agreements and restore stability.

Author: Sophia Brooks