The Israeli military carried out heavy airstrikes across southern Lebanon on Thursday. The attacks came soon after Israel issued evacuation orders for several towns. It accused Hezbollah of trying to rebuild its military strength in the region.

The strikes violated the ceasefire agreement signed last year to end long clashes between Israel and the Iran-backed group. They followed months of Lebanese army efforts to clear Hezbollah positions in the south.

According to Reuters, which quoted the Lebanese Health Ministry, one person was injured in the afternoon bombings and another was killed in earlier strikes.

Israel Orders Evacuations Before Bombing

Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee announced three evacuation orders on X (formerly Twitter) at 3 pm local time (1300 GMT). The targeted areas were Aita al-Jabal, Al-Tayyiba, and Tayr Debba.

Two more nearby towns were added later. The zones were between 4 km and 24 km north of the Israeli border. Israel asked residents to stay 500 metres away from the designated areas.

Lebanon’s Civil Defence helped move residents out. About an hour later, Israeli jets launched airstrikes, sending thick smoke into the sky.

Rising Tension Across the Border

The escalation has increased fears of another large-scale conflict. Israeli leaders had warned they would act if Beirut failed to disarm Hezbollah.

“We are in a very dangerous situation; if things keep heading this way… then all hope is lost. No one knows where the consequences of these matters will lead,” said Farid Nahnouh, mayor of Tayr Debba, quoted by Reuters.

Israel Justifies Cross-Border Attacks

Israel said the airstrikes were necessary for its border security. “Israel will continue to defend all of its borders, and we continue also to insist on the full enforcement of the ceasefire agreement between Lebanon and Israel,” said government spokesperson Shosh Bedrosian.

She added that Israel would not let Hezbollah rebuild its arsenal or regain the military power lost in the 2023–24 war.

Hezbollah Reaffirms Right to Resist

Hezbollah said it remains committed to the ceasefire, but claimed it has a “legitimate right” to resist Israel. The group refused to fully disarm, though it has not attacked Israel or blocked Lebanese army operations since last year’s truce.

Meanwhile, Lebanon’s cabinet met on Thursday to review progress on disarmament. Army Commander Rodolphe Haykal briefed ministers about operations to seize Hezbollah’s weapons caches in the south.

Two senior Lebanese security officials told Reuters that disarmament efforts were moving faster and the army planned to clear all non-state weapons by year’s end.

Civilian Loss and Damage

One Israeli strike destroyed an ironworks shop in Abbasiyeh.

“This shop was supporting five to six households, overall five to six homes,” said Ahmad al-Kayyal, the owner. “Brother, what does a blacksmith do? For heaven’s sake: chairs, tables, doors, windows, railings. What does he make? That’s the blacksmith’s job.”