Israel Strikes Hezbollah Targets in Lebanon as Disarmament Deadline Nears
BEIRUT, Lebanon — In the tense days leading up to a critical December 31 deadline, Israel launched a series of airstrikes targeting Hezbollah infrastructure across southern and northeastern Lebanon. The strikes focused on military compounds used by Hezbollah for training and weapons storage, underscoring Israel’s determination to pressure the militant group to disarm as mandated by a U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement that ended hostilities a year ago.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) reported that the strikes hit launching sites and military structures, including facilities used to hold courses for Hezbollah members. A video released by the IDF showed militants rearming in the village of Beit Lif, highlighting concerns that Hezbollah continues to embed itself within civilian areas, complicating efforts to enforce disarmament.
These military actions come just ahead of a meeting of the ceasefire monitoring committee, which includes representatives from the United States, France, and the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). The committee is tasked with overseeing the enforcement of the ceasefire terms and ensuring Hezbollah complies with the disarmament deadline. UNIFIL, deployed along the Israel-Lebanon border, plays a crucial role in maintaining peace and stability in the region.
Concurrently, U.S., Saudi, and French officials are scheduled to meet with Lebanon’s army commander, Gen. Rodolph Haikal, to discuss strategies for strengthening the Lebanese army’s presence along the border. This move aims to bolster Lebanon’s capacity to clear Hezbollah’s armed presence south of the Litani River by year’s end, a goal publicly endorsed by the Lebanese government.
The meeting in Paris, intended to dissuade Israel from further escalation, also reflects broader diplomatic concerns. European and Lebanese diplomats have expressed apprehension that internal political paralysis and party dynamics in Lebanon could delay President Joseph Aoun’s efforts to press Hezbollah on disarmament, especially with legislative elections looming in 2026.
Speaker of the Lebanese Parliament Nabih Berri described the recent Israeli airstrikes as “an Israeli message to the Paris meeting,” emphasizing the heightened tensions as the deadline approaches. The strikes have sent plumes of smoke rising over southern Lebanese villages such as al-Katrani, a stark reminder of the fragile peace in the region.
Hezbollah, designated a terrorist organization by several countries including the United States, remains heavily armed and politically influential in Lebanon. The U.S. has championed Lebanon’s response to Hezbollah’s disarmament, viewing it as a critical step toward regional stability and a potential opening for broader diplomatic initiatives like the Abraham Accords.
As the deadline nears, the international community watches closely. The U.S. Department of State continues to engage with Lebanese and regional partners to support enforcement of the ceasefire and promote disarmament. Meanwhile, the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon remains on high alert to prevent renewed hostilities.
The Israeli government has warned Hezbollah that it is “playing with fire,” signaling readiness to respond decisively to any violations. This warning comes amid broader concerns about Hezbollah’s military capabilities and its embedding within civilian populations, which complicates military operations and raises the risk of civilian casualties.
For Lebanon, the challenge is immense. The Lebanese army, under international guidance, is expected to assert control over the border regions, but political divisions and Hezbollah’s entrenched presence pose significant obstacles. The outcome of these efforts will likely shape the security landscape of the Middle East in the coming years.
With the December 31 deadline fast approaching, the situation remains volatile. The international community’s ability to enforce the ceasefire and disarm Hezbollah will be tested, as will the resilience of Lebanon’s fragile political fabric.
More details on the ceasefire enforcement and international diplomatic efforts can be found at the U.S. Department of State and the United Nations Peacekeeping Operations websites.
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