Key facts
- Israel launched air strikes and drone attacks across southern Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah infrastructure.
- The strikes followed evacuation warnings issued by the Israeli army for several Lebanese towns and suburbs.
- The conflict has intensified since the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
- A Maronite Catholic priest was killed by Israeli tank fire in the village of Qlayaa.
- Talks between Israeli and Lebanese delegations regarding Hezbollah disarmament are ongoing in Rome.
The Israeli army launched a new wave of attacks on Monday, targeting the outskirts of the villages of Ainatha and Haddatha in the Bint Jbeil district of southern Lebanon, according to Lebanon’s National News Agency (NNA). An Israeli drone also exploded over an excavator working to clear rubble.
Israeli forces have conducted air strikes across Lebanon, targeting the Iran-backed group Hezbollah. These attacks intensified following the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei on February 28. The conflict has seen clashes in eastern Lebanon and attacks across the country, including the capital, Beirut.
Recent strikes include hits on the southern city of Tyre, and the towns of Qabrikha, Deir Siryan, and Taybeh. The Israeli military stated that air strikes near Ansariyeh targeted a Hezbollah headquarters. Drone strikes were reported in Barashit, with additional strikes on Adchit and Breqaa. The southern suburbs of Beirut also experienced a raid after an evacuation warning.
Evacuation warnings have been issued for several areas, including Tyre, Sidon, Dahiyeh, and specific zones like Arnon and Yahmar. The NNA reported that four people were killed in the Bint Jbeil district, and a Maronite Catholic priest, Pierre al-Rahi, was killed by Israeli tank fire in Qlayaa.
Meanwhile, Israeli forces initiated precise strikes on Wednesday in retaliation for alleged ceasefire violations by Hezbollah. The IDF issued an evacuation warning for Al-Mansouri. Early Thursday morning, new airstrikes in southern Lebanon reportedly killed four people.
These military actions are occurring alongside diplomatic efforts, with Israeli and Lebanese delegations meeting in Rome for talks on a framework for Hezbollah disarmament, Israeli withdrawal, and Lebanese military deployment in southern Lebanon. Lebanese troops have begun deploying in designated areas as part of a pilot program.