Israeli strikes in Lebanon have killed at least 10 people in eastern Lebanon, Lebanese officials say, marking some of the deadliest Israeli strikes Lebanon has seen since a ceasefire ended the war between Israel and Hezbollah in November 2024. The Israeli strikes Lebanon targeted sites in the Bekaa Valley, an area where the Shia Muslim militia and political party maintains a strong presence.

Hezbollah Suffers Heavy Losses

Hezbollah confirmed that at least eight of its members were killed in the Israeli strikes Lebanon operation, including a senior field commander. The Israeli military said it targeted what it described as Hezbollah command centres and missile array facilities, claiming the group was planning fire attacks towards Israel.

The Israeli military accused Hezbollah of systematically embedding its assets within the civilian population and said the group's activities violated understandings between Israel and Lebanon. Images posted online showed heavy damage in what appeared to be a residential neighbourhood.

Hezbollah, considered a terrorist organization by countries including the UK and US, maintains that the ceasefire deal only applies to southern Lebanon, in the area between the Litani river and the Blue Line. The group has rejected calls from Lebanese authorities to discuss disarmament in other parts of the country, including the Bekaa Valley where part of its arsenal is believed to be located.

Ceasefire Under Strain

Despite the November ceasefire that ended 13 months of conflict, Israel has carried out near-daily strikes on Lebanon targeting locations it says are linked to Hezbollah, which receives support from Iran. Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam recently described the situation as a one-sided war of attrition.

Lebanon's government says Israel's ongoing actions violate the ceasefire deal and has urged the international community to pressure Israel to stop its attacks. The strikes come amid heightened regional tensions, with the United States threatening military action against Iran if negotiations fail to reach a deal.

Hours before the Bekaa Valley strikes, an Israeli strike hit the densely populated Palestinian refugee camp of Ain al-Helweh on the outskirts of Sidon in southern Lebanon. Israel said it targeted a command centre used by Hamas, which confirmed two members were killed.

Regional Escalation Fears

There are growing concerns in Lebanon that Iran might force Hezbollah to join any response to a US attack if Israel becomes involved. The strikes occur as tensions between the US and Iran intensify over Tehran's nuclear programme.

This week, Hezbollah dismissed a Lebanese government decision to advance the second phase of a disarmament plan in areas north of the Litani river. The group's continued military presence remains a major point of contention in Lebanese politics and a source of tension with Israel.

The civilian toll from ongoing strikes continues to mount, with families in affected areas living in constant fear of renewed violence. The November ceasefire, intended to bring stability to southern Lebanon, appears increasingly fragile.

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