The Israeli military intensified its operations in recent hours against Hezbollah positions in southern and eastern Lebanon, marking a new escalation in a conflict that has remained active since the November 2024 ceasefire.

The airstrikes focused primarily on weapons depots, military infrastructure, and training facilities linked to the Iranian-backed Shiite group.

According to Lebanon’s National News Agency and AFP, the strikes hit mountainous areas in the southern districts of Nabatiyeh and Jezzine, as well as the eastern region of Hermel, near the Syrian border. Fighter jets conducted the operations over several hours, causing new casualties and damage in strategically sensitive areas.

The Israel Defense Forces confirmed that they struck multiple military structures used by Hezbollah to plan and carry out attacks against Israeli territory.

In a statement quoted by AFP, the Israeli army said it targeted weapons storage facilities and terrorist infrastructure considered central to the group’s operational capabilities.

Situation in the Middle East and statement from Lebanon

Lebanon’s Ministry of Health reported at least three deaths from the latest attacks, raising the total death toll to more than 340 people since the ceasefire took effect. Local authorities warned that the number could rise as access remains limited in some of the affected areas.

During the operations, Israeli forces killed Hasin Mahmud Marshad al-Juhari, identified as a senior leader of Unit 840 of Iran’s Quds Force, the external operations arm of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Israeli officials said Al-Juhari coordinated hostile activities on the Syrian and Lebanese fronts under direct Iranian command.

Both the Israeli military and internal security services stressed their determination to respond to any threats sponsored by Tehran and its regional allies. Israeli officials view Hezbollah as a persistent and direct threat, particularly along the country’s northern border.

The clashes between Israel and Hezbollah unfold amid broader regional tensions tied to the war in Gaza. The Lebanese militia’s alliance with Hamas reinforces Israel’s assessment of a coordinated front aimed at destabilizing its territory.

Beyond the Middle East, Israeli authorities have warned about the global reach of Iran’s Quds Force. According to Israel, some of its networks operate in Latin America through diplomatic, cultural, and political channels, a development cited as justification for Israel’s policy of preventive action beyond its borders.

Following the latest strikes in Lebanon, Israeli military spokespeople reiterated that operations will continue as long as active threats linked to Iran or allied groups persist in areas deemed relevant to national security.