Lebanon reports Israel's airstrikes have violated the truce over 600 times
In the aftermath of the ceasefire established on November 27, 2024, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have been actively carrying out hundreds of airstrikes and ground operations in Lebanon, primarily targeting Hezbollah[1][2][4]. The operations, which have resulted in thousands of deaths and an estimated $11 billion of damage[8], have been concentrated in southern Lebanon and the Beqaa Valley.
These military actions, which include targeted assassinations and strikes on rocket launchers, weapons storage, training camps, and command centers, have been ongoing despite the formal truce. Israel maintains military outposts in southern Lebanon as a deterrent against Hezbollah, refusing to fully withdraw unless Hezbollah is disarmed[3][5]. Lebanon, on the other hand, condemns these actions as ceasefire breaches and violations of sovereignty[3][5].
Recently, the Lebanese government, under U.S. pressure, decided to initiate plans to disarm all non-state armed groups, including Hezbollah[6]. However, there is skepticism in the region about Lebanon's ability to disarm Hezbollah, and Israel remains cautious, viewing Hezbollah as an ongoing threat requiring continued military vigilance[3].
The insistence by Israel on maintaining a buffer zone on the border has caused disagreements with Lebanon and the U.S. diplomatic efforts. While the U.S. supports reducing tensions to enable Lebanese state authority over armed groups, Israel demands security guarantees, including the buffer zone, which have hampered a full agreement[3][5].
Notably, Lt Gen Eyal Zamir, head of Israel's army, has boasted that Israeli air strikes on Lebanon have breached a ceasefire about 600 times[7]. He also mentioned that Israel is launching strikes on its own initiative.
Hezbollah, for its part, has rejected the proposals as bowing to Israeli and U.S. pressure. The group did not intervene in the June conflict[9]. Senior figure Hassan Nasrallah was killed during Israel's operations in Lebanon[10].
Lt Gen Zamir, during his visit to Lebanon, approved the "main framework" for Israel's expanded war in Gaza[11]. The ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, which was established last year, is still in effect[9].
Despite the ongoing conflict and the fragile ceasefire, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has stated that Lebanon does not accept anyone interfering in its internal affairs regarding Hezbollah[12]. The plans propose that Lebanon's armed forces will draw up plans to disarm Hezbollah by the end of the year[6].
In summary, the situation in Lebanon remains volatile, with ongoing Israeli military operations, a fragile ceasefire, and uncertain prospects for Hezbollah disarmament and improved regional stability as of August 2025. The conflict underscores the complexity of the Middle East geopolitical landscape and the challenges facing diplomatic efforts to achieve lasting peace.
References:
- Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon
- IDF operations in Lebanon
- Israel-Lebanon tensions
- Hezbollah targets in Lebanon
- U.S. role in Lebanon-Israel tensions
- Lebanon disarmament plans
- Zamir's statement on ceasefire breaches
- Estimated deaths and damage from Israeli operations
- Ceasefire status
- Nasrallah's death
- Zamir's visit to Lebanon
- Lebanon's stance on interference
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