The Israeli Army has carried out new airstrikes over southern Lebanon this Wednesday, which it frames "in response" to the launch of two drones by the Shiite militia party Hezbollah against its forces deployed in the border area. So far, no casualties have been reported, despite the ceasefire agreed upon between the Lebanese and Israeli governments.
"Hezbollah launched two explosive drones during the night against elements of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in the area of the Ali Taher ridge. The fighters opened fire on one of the drones and shot it down," it stated in a statement, before assuring that the incident ended without casualties among its troops.
In the same note, the Army added that "in response to this action, the IDF attacked Hezbollah infrastructure in the area of Nabatiye, in southern Lebanon." "The attacked infrastructure was used by terrorists of the organization to plan and direct terrorist plots to harm IDF forces in the area and citizens in the State of Israel."
According to the military statement, "these attacks were carried out to neutralize an immediate threat," while insisting that "IDF forces will continue to operate in the mountainous area and will not allow terrorists to promote or execute terrorist plots." "The IDF is acting and will continue to act firmly against Hezbollah's repeated attempts to attack our forces," it concluded.
On June 26, Lebanon and Israel reached, with the mediation of the United States, a principle of understanding that laid the foundations for a permanent ceasefire. The text contemplated the restoration of Lebanese sovereignty over the south of the country and the disarmament of Hezbollah, a condition that the Shiite formation has categorically rejected.
Since that date, Israeli authorities have invoked security reasons and Hezbollah's refusal to accept the agreement to continue with their military operations in southern Lebanon. These actions are part of the new offensive initiated after the group launched projectiles against Israeli territory in retaliation for the joint operation carried out on February 28 by the United States and Israel against Iran.