Israel Launches Air Strikes on Southern Lebanon Amid Tense Ceasefire

Israel has resumed air strikes on southern Lebanon just days after signing a US‑brokered ceasefire agreement.

The attacks occurred on Sunday, two days after the framework was finalized in Washington following five rounds of negotiations.

Both parties are framing the same document as a triumph, yet the accord has been rebuffed by Hezbollah and far‑right Israeli factions, raising fresh doubts about its durability.

Lebanon’s state‑run National News Agency reported multiple strikes in the south on Sunday, a day after the Lebanese Ministry of Health confirmed the first fatality since the deal’s inception.

Israeli drones were observed over Baalbek, and warplanes conducted what residents described as a mock raid over nearby highlands.

The Israeli military said it was targeting Hezbollah operatives near the buffer zone it occupies within Lebanon.

Additionally, the Israeli military announced that Captain David Hazutt, 21, of the Golani Brigade, was killed in combat, while a second soldier sustained minor injuries.

Israel’s chief of staff has authorized continued operations in the buffer zone, asserting that they align with the ceasefire arrangement.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the agreement as “historic” and a “major setback for Iran and Hezbollah.”

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam characterized the accord as aiming to secure Israel’s withdrawal from all Lebanese territory.

While the text does not mandate an unconditional Israeli pull‑back, it ties any retreat to Hezbollah’s disarmament.

Defence Minister Israel Katz stated that forces would remain in the buffer zone as long as the group retains weapons.

Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem denounced the deal as “humiliating” and a “surrender of sovereignty,” pledging to stay on the battlefield.

Parliamentarian Hassan Fadlallah warned that attempts by the Lebanese army to enforce the agreement could ignite internal conflict, as protests erupted against the pact.

Far‑right minister Itamar Ben‑Gvir criticized the agreement for affording Hezbollah a “lifeline” and expressed continued opposition.

The conflict escalated on March 2 when Hezbollah launched rockets in retaliation for the killing of Iran’s senior commander in US‑Israeli strikes.

Israel responded with extensive air raids and a ground incursion, resulting in over 4,200 deaths in Lebanon according to the Ministry of Health.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi urged Washington to compel Israel to halt strikes and withdraw from occupied Lebanese areas, citing a separate understanding that he says binds both parties.

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