Israeli air raids targeted southern Lebanon on Thursday, hitting Hezbollah weapons storage facilities, a day after Lebanese and Israeli civilian representatives held their first direct talks in decades. The strikes came amid ongoing tensions despite a 2024 ceasefire.
The Israeli army warned it would strike buildings in Mahrouna and Jbaa before launching the attacks. Additional warnings were issued for Majadal and Baraasheet, where military sources said Hezbollah infrastructure was located within civilian areas. Smoke and damage were visible across these towns.
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Local officials described the attacks as devastating, with windows shattered within hundreds of meters. Residents expressed shock over the damage, while the Israeli military accused Hezbollah of using civilians as human shields, placing weapons in populated areas.
The surprise talks on Wednesday involved Lebanese and Israeli civilian representatives under the UN peacekeeping force’s ceasefire mechanism in Naqura. The discussions focused on implementing the 2024 truce, releasing Lebanese hostages, and ensuring Israel’s withdrawal from occupied areas, not broader peace negotiations.
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized that Hezbollah must disarm, even as economic cooperation ideas were discussed. Meanwhile, France and the US welcomed the talks, stressing their commitment to maintaining the framework for de-escalation and regional stability.
Despite diplomatic efforts, violence continues, raising fears of expanded military operations. The strikes underscore the fragile nature of the ceasefire, as both Israel and Hezbollah maintain positions that could reignite broader conflict in southern Lebanon.