Israeli Strikes Target Hezbollah Infrastructure in Southern Lebanon

On January 21, 2026, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched a series of airstrikes against Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon, including weapon depots and military infrastructure. The strikes were preceded by evacuation warnings issued to residents in several towns, including Qennarit, Kfour, and Jarjouaa, as the IDF aimed to mitigate civilian casualties while addressing what it described as Hezbollah's violations of the November 2024 ceasefire agreement.

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The IDF reported that the strikes targeted multiple Hezbollah sites, including underground weapon depots and training camps used for planning attacks against Israel. Among the notable incidents was the killing of Abu Ali Salameh, a Hezbollah liaison officer in the village of Yanouh, who was implicated in obstructing the Lebanese Armed Forces' efforts to dismantle a weapons cache. The IDF accused Salameh of facilitating Hezbollah's operations within civilian areas and claimed that he coordinated with the Lebanese army to mislead them regarding the presence of weapons at the site.

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Additionally, the IDF targeted four land crossings on the Lebanese-Syrian border, which were allegedly used by Hezbollah for smuggling weapons. The military stated that these operations were part of ongoing efforts to prevent Hezbollah from rebuilding its military capabilities following the ceasefire.

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The IDF emphasized that its actions were necessary to counter Hezbollah's attempts to re-establish its military infrastructure in southern Lebanon. Col. Avichay Adraee, the IDF's Arabic-language spokesman, reiterated the need for civilian evacuations to ensure safety during the strikes. The Lebanese army condemned the Israeli attacks, labeling them a "blatant violation of Lebanon’s sovereignty" and asserting that such actions hinder their disarmament efforts.

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Critics of the IDF's operations, including local Lebanese media and Hezbollah-affiliated outlets, reported civilian injuries and damage to homes, arguing that the strikes disproportionately affected non-combatants. Residents in some areas reportedly refused to evacuate, viewing the IDF's warnings as intimidation tactics rather than genuine safety measures.

IDF targets Hezbollah tunnels, rocket launch sites in Lebanon

While the IDF claimed to have killed over 400 Hezbollah operatives since the ceasefire, local sources have raised concerns about the accuracy of these figures and the impact on civilian populations. The Lebanese army's assertion that it has completed its disarmament mission south of the Litani River contrasts with Israeli claims of ongoing Hezbollah activity, highlighting discrepancies in the narratives surrounding the ceasefire's effectiveness.

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The situation remains tense, with the IDF indicating that further strikes may occur as it continues to monitor Hezbollah's activities. The Lebanese government faces pressure to confront Hezbollah more directly, though it remains cautious of potential destabilization in a country already grappling with economic and social crises. The ongoing conflict underscores the fragile nature of the ceasefire and the challenges of enforcing disarmament in the region.

IDF strikes in southern Lebanon; Hezbollah terrorist killed, military says