Renewed Israeli Air Strikes Target Hezbollah in Southern Lebanon

On September 18, 2025, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) launched a series of air strikes against Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon, shortly after issuing evacuation warnings to residents in several towns, including Mais al-Jabal, Kfar Tebnit, and Dibbin. The strikes were characterized by the IDF as necessary actions to prevent Hezbollah from rebuilding its military infrastructure, which Israel claims violates the ceasefire agreement established in November 2024. The IDF's Arabic-language spokesman, Colonel Avichay Adraee, stated that the attacks were a response to Hezbollah's "prohibited attempts to rebuild its activities in the area."

BBC NewsTimes of IsraelIsrael begins bombing southern Lebanon after warnings to residents and Hezbollah awaitsIsrael warned the Lebanese of the threatening attacks on Hezbollah infrastructure - News Room USAIsrael prepares to bomb Lebanon as it warns citizens to flee in latest escalationAl Jazeera (website)NaharnetThe Occupation Army Issues Evacuation Orders for Several Buildings in Southern LebanonThe New ArabAmid Fear of Further Escalation, Israel Pounds Villages Across Southern Lebanon

The ceasefire agreement, brokered by the United States and France, was intended to halt hostilities following over a year of conflict, including a two-month war that began in October 2023. Under the terms of the ceasefire, Hezbollah was to withdraw from southern Lebanon, while Israel was to cease military operations in the region. However, reports indicate that Israel has conducted over 500 airstrikes since the ceasefire, claiming to target Hezbollah operatives and infrastructure, which it alleges are in violation of the agreement.

Times of IsraelIsrael begins bombing southern Lebanon after warnings to residents and Hezbollah awaitsAl Jazeera (website)ReutersIsraeli military launches attacks on Hezbollah targets in southern LebanonBBC NewsAl Jazeera (website)The New Arab

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam condemned the recent air strikes, labeling them as acts of "intimidation and aggression" that contravene the ceasefire. He called on the international community, particularly the sponsors of the ceasefire, to exert pressure on Israel to halt its military actions. Salam emphasized Lebanon's commitment to maintaining peace and questioned Israel's adherence to the ceasefire mechanisms. The Lebanese army has reported that Israeli strikes have reached over 4,500 violations since the ceasefire was enacted.

BBC NewsTimes of IsraelReutersIsrael begins bombing southern Lebanon after warnings to residents and Hezbollah awaitsThe New ArabAl Jazeera (website)Amid Fear of Further Escalation, Israel Pounds Villages Across Southern LebanonAl Jazeera (website)Israel warned the Lebanese of the threatening attacks on Hezbollah infrastructure - News Room USAThe Occupation Army Issues Evacuation Orders for Several Buildings in Southern Lebanon

Hezbollah officials have expressed strong opposition to the Israeli strikes, asserting that they will not deter the group or its supporters. Lawmaker Hassan Fadlallah stated that the attacks serve as proof of "Israel's terrorism" and reiterated Hezbollah's commitment to resist disarmament efforts while Israel continues its military operations. The ongoing Israeli presence in southern Lebanon, including occupation of strategic points, has further complicated the situation, with Hezbollah rejecting any disarmament discussions under current conditions.

Times of IsraelReutersIsrael to attack Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, orders evacuation after border attack kills 2BBC NewsAl Jazeera (website)Israeli military launches attacks on Hezbollah targets in southern LebanonThe New ArabAl Jazeera (website)Israel warned the Lebanese of the threatening attacks on Hezbollah infrastructure - News Room USA

While the IDF claims to have targeted Hezbollah's military infrastructure, including the elite Radwan Force, there has been no independent verification of these claims. Reports of casualties from the strikes have been minimal, with only one injury reported in Mais al-Jabal. The Lebanese government has called for international accountability regarding the ongoing violations of its sovereignty.

Amid Fear of Further Escalation, Israel Pounds Villages Across Southern Lebanon

The situation remains tense as Hezbollah prepares to commemorate the anniversary of the assassination of its former leader, Hassan Nasrallah, on September 27, 2024. The Lebanese government faces pressure from both domestic and international actors to disarm Hezbollah by the end of the year, a move that the group has vowed to resist. The continuation of Israeli air strikes raises concerns about further escalation in the region and the potential for renewed conflict.

Times of Israel

• “Lebanon calls on the international community, especially the countries sponsoring the agreement to cease hostile operations, to exert maximum pressure on Israel to immediately stop its aggressions,” — Nawaf Salam, Prime Minister of Lebanon

Al Jazeera (website)

• “The Hezbollah terror organization continues its attempts to restore terror infrastructure in southern Lebanon, especially the Radwan unit, with the aim of harming the State of Israel,” — IDF Statement

Times of Israel

• “How can it persist in intimidation and attacks when these me

Middle East Eye