Israeli Strikes Escalate Tensions in Southern Lebanon, Lebanese Army Deploys to Kafr Hatta
Table of Contents
Israel intensified its military operations in southern Lebanon on Sunday, launching a series of air strikes targeting areas it claims house Hezbollah infrastructure. The escalating conflict prompted a deployment of the Lebanese army, alongside UNIFIL peacekeepers, to the town of Kafr Hatta, a focal point of the recent hostilities.
Israeli Offensive Targets Southern Lebanon
The Israeli military issued warnings to residents of Kafr Hatta, in the Sidon District, prior to initiating strikes aimed at what it described as “military infrastructure belonging to Hezbollah.” According to reports from an Arab TV correspondent, the areas of Mahmoudiyah, Wadi Barghaz, Jabal al-Rayhan, and the Jabour Heights were also targeted in the raids.
“For the second time today, the IDF is currently attacking terrorist infrastructure belonging to Hezbollah, in several areas in southern Lebanon,” a statement from the Israeli army asserted. These attacks followed an earlier series of air strikes, conducted under the pretext of dismantling Hezbollah’s capabilities.
The National News Agency reported that Israeli fighters raided Kafr Hatta shortly after warning a residential complex of 10 buildings to evacuate. Residents were instructed to leave a specific area in preparation for the bombing, ostensibly to target “Hezbollah infrastructure.”
Lebanese Army and UNIFIL Respond
In response to the escalating situation, a force comprised of the Lebanese Army and UNIFIL personnel moved towards the threatened site in Kafr Hatta. Details regarding their specific mission remain limited. The deployment signals a concerted effort to de-escalate tensions and monitor the situation on the ground.
The Israeli army has claimed to have targeted “tunnel openings used to store combat means” in southern Lebanon, alleging recent monitoring of Hezbollah activity in these locations. A statement released on the “X” platform detailed the attacks on these alleged storage sites.
Long-Standing Tensions and Disarmament Efforts
The current escalation occurs against a backdrop of long-standing tensions and a fragile ceasefire established in late November 2024. Despite the ceasefire, Israel has continued to conduct daily attacks on Lebanon, particularly in the south.
The conflict has a deeply rooted history, with Israel’s aggression against Lebanon in October 2023 resulting in over 4,000 deaths and 17,000 injuries before escalating into a full-scale war in September 2024. The ceasefire agreement has been violated more than 10,000 times, according to UNIFIL, leading to further casualties and the continued occupation of Lebanese territory – including five hills and other areas held for decades.
Under pressure from the United States and fearing a wider conflict, Lebanese authorities approved a plan to disarm Hezbollah. The Lebanese army is scheduled to complete the disarmament process south of the Litani River – approximately 30 kilometers from the Israeli border – by the end of 2025. A senior official stated on Thursday that “the plan to confine weapons has entered an advanced stage,” with the first phase effectively implemented.
However, the prospect of a “massive attack” against Hezbollah positions remains a concern, as discussed in Hebrew media reports, contingent on the Lebanese government and army’s failure to fully implement the disarmament pledge. The situation remains volatile, with the potential for further escalation looming large.
Related reading
