At least 12 people were killed in Israeli air strikes targeting Hezbollah in Lebanon's Bekaa Valley, according to the regional governor, Bachir Khodr. The air strikes claimed the lives of three Lebanese and seven Syrians, including a family of five in the Wadi Faara area, with two other deaths reported in Shmustar. These strikes represent the deadliest incident since a ceasefire concluded a year of escalating hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah.
The Israeli military announced that the air strikes aimed at multiple Hezbollah military compounds, including training centers affiliated with its elite Redwan Force. Hezbollah has yet to respond directly to the attacks, but its affiliated media outlets claimed these strikes violate the ceasefire and Lebanon's sovereignty.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated via social media that the targeted operations hit locations where "terrorist operatives and warehouses" for combat equipment were spotted. This follows a previous military campaign launched by the IDF in September 2024 that led to the elimination of Radwan Force commanders. They characterized Hezbollah's activities in the Bekaa Valley as a violation of the ceasefire agreement.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz declared that these operations communicate a strong message to Hezbollah and the Lebanese government, emphasizing Israel's readiness to respond vigorously against any attempts to rebuild Hezbollah's military capabilities. The ceasefire between the two parties, brokered with US mediation, was contingent on adherence to UN Security Council resolution 1701. This resolution mandated the withdrawal of Hezbollah forces north of the Litani River and the disarmament of all armed groups in Lebanon. Meanwhile, Israel maintains its military presence at certain strategic sites in southern Lebanon.
