The National Media Agency reported on Friday that “hostile warplanes launched a series of raids starting at ten in the morning, targeting the high mountain and the outskirts of the towns of Sijed, Al-Rihan, and Aarmata, as well as the outskirts of Jbaa,” confirming that the area between the towns of Ansar and Al-Zraria was subject to a series of violent raids. The Israeli air force also targeted areas in the eastern part of the country, including the town of Zalaya in western Beqaa and an area between Wadi Houmin and Roumine, noting that the Israeli warplanes continued to fly over the skies of the south and Beqaa.
Last Monday in Lebanon, Diodato Abaniara stated that the situation in southern Lebanon is extremely sensitive, emphasizing that “even a small mistake could ignite a wide escalation.” In an interview with Israel’s “Channel 12,” Abaniara accused Israel of committing “clear and explicit breaches” of the ceasefire agreement, while also noting that the international force does not have evidence of Hezbollah rebuilding its military capabilities south of the Litani River.
He added, “Our primary mission is to support the Lebanese army in creating an environment that allows it to extend its control over the southern region. We work to ensure the best conditions to prevent slipping into confrontation, through monitoring, reporting, documenting breaches, and supporting the Lebanese army,” pointing out that his forces observe “clear violations from both sides,” including airstrikes and the discovery of ammunition and weapons depots. In response to Israeli claims that “Hezbollah” is rehabilitating its military infrastructure in the south, he confirmed that “we do not have data proving that,” noting that the Lebanese army plays an “important and effective role” in preventing any armed activity by the party within the area under UNIFIL’s operations.
A ceasefire agreement between ” ” and Israel came into effect on November 27, 2024, more than a year after Hezbollah opened what it called “a support front for the Gaza sector” on October 8, 2023. The Israeli army was supposed to complete its withdrawal from areas it occupied in southern Lebanon by the dawn of January 26, 2025, but Israel did not adhere to the deadline and maintained its military presence in five strategic points in southern Lebanon, justifying it by “ensuring the protection of northern settlements.” Despite the agreement, it occasionally launches strikes in Lebanon, stating they are to remove “Hezbollah threats.”
