The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it carried out an airstrike on a Hezbollah weapons convoy in southern Lebanon on Tuesday, Jan. 28, targeting a truck and other vehicles suspected of transporting arms. Lebanon’s health ministry reported 14 people were wounded in the strike, which took place in the village of Nabatieh al-Fawqa, about 7 miles from the Israeli border.
Israel defends strike as part of ceasefire agreement
The IDF said the convoy was under surveillance before being struck, claiming the operation was in accordance with a ceasefire agreement that allows for preemptive action against imminent threats. Under the deal, Hezbollah is required to withdraw north of the Litani River, about 18 miles from the Israeli border, while Israel retains the right to act against security threats in the region.
Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati condemned the strike and urged the United States to pressure Israel into honoring the ceasefire. His office also confirmed that Israel had freed nine Lebanese prisoners of war as part of the ongoing agreement and called for the release of nine more.
Displaced civilians warned not to return
The latest escalation comes as thousands of displaced Lebanese civilians attempt to return home after months of fighting. The IDF has warned residents to stay away, citing ongoing military operations aimed at preventing Hezbollah from reestablishing its presence in southern Lebanon.
Col. Avichay Adraee, the IDF’s Arabic-language spokesman, reiterated that Israeli forces remain deployed in the area and that military operations could continue beyond the Feb. 18 withdrawal deadline.
Hezbollah’s attacks displaced over a million in Lebanon
Hezbollah began launching near-daily attacks on northern Israel after Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, assault, which killed around 1,200 people and saw 251 hostages taken, triggering the ongoing war in Gaza. In response, Israel launched airstrikes and ground operations against Hezbollah positions.
According to the United Nations high commissioner for refugees, the conflict has displaced approximately 1.3 million Lebanese and forced around 60,000 Israelis to evacuate northern communities. The humanitarian situation remains precarious as both sides continue to trade accusations of ceasefire violations.
Israel was initially expected to withdraw from southern Lebanon by Jan. 26 but extended its presence until Feb. 18, citing delays in the Lebanese army’s deployment to the area. With both Israel and Hezbollah accusing each other of violating the ceasefire agreement, the situation remains volatile, and the risk of further escalation looms over the region.
