Southern Lebanon is once again the scene of renewed Israeli military action. DZWatch has learned that the Israeli military launched a series of strikes on Wednesday, targeting areas it claims are launch sites used by Hezbollah. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that the strikes were in response to recent activity by the Lebanese group and that they successfully destroyed military installations and infrastructure.
Reports from the ground indicate that the attacks focused on areas surrounding the towns of Zifta and Al-Numayriyah in the Nabatieh district, as well as the town of Tebna in the Sidon district. Additional strikes were reported near Houmin, also in southern Lebanon.
Local Lebanese media outlets reported intense aerial activity, with Israeli warplanes conducting multiple raids in the Al-Numayriyah valley. Witnesses described the sound of powerful explosions reverberating throughout the region as air-to-ground missiles struck their targets. The same sources also reported a separate strike targeting the Houmin valley shortly thereafter.
Simultaneous to the airstrikes, there were reports of heavy drone activity over several towns, including Al-Duwair, Al-Sharqiya, Al-Numayriyah, Toul, Nabatieh, Zabdine, and Jibchit. The drones were reportedly flying at medium altitude.
The Israeli military maintains that its actions are aimed at dismantling Hezbollah’s operational capabilities in the region. The IDF has asserted that it struck missile launch sites and destroyed key infrastructure used by the group.
These latest strikes come amidst heightened tensions and increased speculation in Israeli media regarding a potential large-scale offensive against Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon. Such an offensive is reportedly contingent on the Lebanese government and military failing to disarm Hezbollah by the end of 2025, as stipulated in earlier agreements.
The situation is further complicated by ongoing international and regional efforts to de-escalate tensions and prevent a wider conflict between Israel and Lebanon. The strikes underscore the fragility of the situation and the potential for further escalation in the region.
