Beirut, Lebanon – Tensions along the Lebanese-Israeli border have escalated as Israel intensified its military operations within Lebanon. Reports indicate heavy shelling in the eastern and southern regions of the country.
Today, Israeli forces reportedly targeted the outskirts of the town of Dhahira in the Tyre district of southern Lebanon with mortar fire. Simultaneously, an Israeli drone dropped a sonic bomb on the town of Ras al-Naqoura. Intense Israeli drone activity was also observed over the southern suburbs of Beirut, a stronghold of Hezbollah.
While initial reports indicate no immediate casualties or damage from these attacks, they are viewed as part of a series of Israeli violations of the ceasefire agreement established in late November 2024. This escalation follows warnings from Arab and international sources, revealed by Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Raji, suggesting Israel’s readiness to launch a large-scale military operation. Israeli media outlets have also reported that a military plan is in place should the disarmament of Hezbollah not be achieved by the end of 2025.
The Lebanese government approved a plan in August to centralize weapons control under state authority. However, Hezbollah has rejected this proposal, demanding a complete Israeli withdrawal from occupied Lebanese territories.
Hezbollah Deputy Secretary-General Naim Qassem stated today that the proposed weapons restriction formula would effectively “eliminate Lebanon’s strength.” He affirmed the group’s willingness to cooperate with the Lebanese army, but not within a framework that leads to submission to Israel.
Over recent weeks, Israel has intensified its military actions targeting Lebanese territory, including heavy shelling in the east and south, and targeted killings of individuals it claims are Hezbollah members. DZWatch continues to monitor the situation closely.
