The Israeli military announced on Saturday the temporary suspension of a planned strike in the village of Yanouh, Southern Lebanon. The stated reason for the freeze is to allow the Lebanese Armed Forces to inspect a specific residence within the village.
According to reports, the Lebanese Army conducted a search of the designated property. Security sources indicated that this operation was coordinated with the ceasefire monitoring mechanism, which includes representatives from the United States, France, the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), Lebanon, and Israel.
Earlier on Saturday, Israel had issued an evacuation warning for Yanouh, citing preparations for a strike targeting what it claimed was Hezbollah infrastructure. However, Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee later stated that the strike had been “temporarily frozen,” adding that the military continues to “monitor the target.” He further noted that the freeze was implemented after the Lebanese Army requested the ceasefire monitoring mechanism to access the specified location and address an alleged “violation of the agreement.”
UNIFIL spokesperson Candice Ardell confirmed that the UN force accompanied the Lebanese Army to Yanouh in support of the inspection. She clarified that UNIFIL had received information through the monitoring mechanism regarding Israel’s intention to carry out a strike on the village. Ardell stated that UNIFIL reminded Israel that any such action would constitute a violation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701.
These developments occur amid escalating tensions in the region, with reports suggesting a potential large-scale Israeli offensive against Lebanon. Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Raji stated that the government has received warnings from Arab and international sources indicating that Israel is preparing for a broad military operation against Lebanon.
Raji added that Lebanon is currently engaged in diplomatic efforts to shield the country and its infrastructure from any Israeli strikes. The stance of Hezbollah remains to be seen.
