An Israeli airstrike recently impacted a vehicle in Froun, a village in southern Lebanon. This region is predominantly inhabited by the Shia Muslim community and has been a stronghold for Hezbollah, the Lebanese Shia militia and political party. Public spaces in the area display banners commemorating individuals identified as fallen fighters.
The incident resulted in one fatality, a man whom the Israeli military later identified as a "Hezbollah terrorist." Despite a ceasefire agreement implemented last November, which concluded a previous conflict with Hezbollah, Israeli aerial operations have continued almost daily in the area. A resident, Mohamad Mokdad, whose house was near the strike site, described cleaning debris and expressed a desire for peace, stating, "I just want to live in peace. I don't want parties... I don't want anyone."
Context of Conflict and Ceasefire
Israel asserts that its ongoing operations target Hezbollah, aiming to counter the group's efforts to rebuild its capabilities following a recent conflict. These operations have reportedly affected residents' sense of security and prompted discussions regarding established perspectives in areas historically supportive of Hezbollah.
A previous 13-month conflict involving Israel and Hezbollah concluded with a ceasefire, which resulted in approximately 4,000 Lebanese and 120 Israeli fatalities. The conflict began on October 8, 2023, following Hezbollah's rocket and missile launches across the border, occurring one day after Israel initiated military action in Gaza in response to the Hamas-led attacks. The US and France brokered a truce, which stipulated Hezbollah's withdrawal of fighters and weapons from south of the Litani River (approximately 30km from the Israeli border) and Israel's withdrawal from Lebanese territories it had occupied during the conflict. The agreement also planned for the deployment of Lebanese soldiers into areas previously under Hezbollah's control.
Ongoing Violations and Casualties
A year after the ceasefire, the Israeli military continues to occupy at least five hilltops in southern Lebanon and has conducted air and drone attacks across the country, targeting locations it alleges are linked to Hezbollah. Recently, an Israeli strike outside Beirut killed Hezbollah's chief of staff and four others.
UNIFIL, the United Nations peacekeeping force operating south of the Litani, reports that Israel has committed over 10,000 air and ground violations since the ceasefire. According to the Lebanese health ministry, Israeli attacks have resulted in more than 330 fatalities, including civilians.
Allegations and Denials
Israeli officials allege that Hezbollah has been working to re-establish its military capabilities south of the Litani, which would constitute a violation of the ceasefire. They also claim Hezbollah has attempted to smuggle weapons into Lebanon and increased the production of explosive drones. While Israel has not publicly disclosed evidence for these claims, Israeli journalists have received briefings on potential escalation plans against the group. Israel Katz, the Israeli defense minister, has stated that "Hezbollah is playing with fire, and the president of Lebanon is dragging his feet."
Joseph Aoun, the Lebanese president, who took office in January, has promised a "state monopoly on arms," indicating an intention to disarm Hezbollah. Hezbollah is classified as a terrorist organization by countries including the UK and the US. However, in Lebanon, it functions as both a political party with governmental and parliamentary representation and a social movement providing services in areas where state infrastructure is limited.
UNIFIL states it has not observed military activity by Hezbollah or attempts to rebuild infrastructure. Hezbollah denies Israeli allegations and maintains that the ceasefire terms regarding its arsenal only apply to the area south of the Litani. The group has not fired into Israel since the truce, though it did launch mortars at an Israeli army base in the disputed Mount Dov/Shebaa Farms area in December, citing repeated Israeli violations.
Situation in Beit Lif
Last week, Lt Col Avichay Adraee, the Arabic spokesman for the Israeli army, issued a social media warning concerning the Lebanese village of Beit Lif. He stated that Israel had detected "dozens of terrorist infrastructures" belonging to Hezbollah and would act to remove any threat. Following this warning, residents made a public appeal for Lebanese soldiers to be deployed.
Upon visiting Beit Lif, where the pre-war population of approximately 8,000 has reduced to less than a third, it was observed that Lebanese soldiers arrived with UNIFIL troops, patrolled the streets, and departed after approximately five hours, before dawn. The Lebanese military has not inspected private properties, possibly to avoid perceptions of collaboration with Israel.
Residents gathered at a mosque damaged during the war discussed the situation. One individual stated, "Hezbollah needs to decide: it either responds to Israel or accepts defeat, disarms and let us move on with our lives. This can't continue." Public criticism of Hezbollah is uncommon, but some residents appear to be questioning the established consensus due to ongoing exhaustion.
Ezzat Hammoud, the mayor of Beit Lif, denied the presence of militants or weapons in the village, stating, "No, no, no. There are no militants or weapons here. I can be held responsible for what I'm saying." He suggested Israeli attention might be intended "either to terrify the residents and force them to move, or to put pressure on the Lebanese army to confront people."
A resident named Haider, whose family owns a house identified by the Israeli military as being used by Hezbollah, denied these claims and offered access to his property for inspection. A poster commemorating his brother, a Hezbollah fighter killed in the war, was displayed outside. Haider expressed a desire for stability, stating, "We want stability, we don't want war, or anything related to it." He also commented, "We're done. We're worn out." Despite the warning, Israel has not attacked Beit Lif.
Hezbollah's Stance and Disarmament Prospects
In a televised speech earlier this month, Naim Qassem, Hezbollah's secretary general, addressed the issue of continued Israeli attacks. He warned that "everything has a limit" and affirmed that the group would "never" surrender its weapons, referring to them as the "source of its strength." Qassem stated, referring to Israel and the United States, "The enemy wants to erase our life and our existence, but we'll remain steadfast. We'll either live with dignity or die with dignity."
Hezbollah's arsenal, which is more powerful than that of the Lebanese national army, has historically divided opinions within Lebanon. Opponents accuse Hezbollah of involving Lebanon in conflicts and serving the interests of Iran, its primary supporter. They view the current situation as an opportunity to disarm the group. However, President Aoun, a former army chief, has declined to use force against Hezbollah, citing concerns that such action could exacerbate sectarian divisions and lead to civil war. Aoun stated in April that if authorities were not careful, "we'll lead Lebanon to ruin."
A Western diplomat familiar with discussions indicated that Lebanese authorities are under increasing pressure from the Trump administration, which is reportedly frustrated with the pace of disarmament efforts and supports Israel's actions in Lebanon. The diplomat suggested that some observers perceive the disarmament plans as the "Lebanese way" of operating and "aren't convinced" of their efficacy.
The Lebanese army is expected to announce the completion of Hezbollah's disarmament in areas south of the Litani next month. Subsequently, the army plans to address Hezbollah's presence in other parts of the country, including the Dahieh district and the eastern Bekaa Valley. This phase is anticipated to be more challenging and risky without the group's consent, with no defined timeline for its completion.
Border Communities and Reconstruction
In the border village of Yaroun, a concrete wall recently constructed by Israeli soldiers within Lebanese territory is visible. Lebanese authorities consider this an Israeli violation of the ceasefire agreement and a breach of national sovereignty. Communities along the frontier remain significantly damaged, with international partners declining to fund reconstruction efforts, partly due to the impasse over Hezbollah's disarmament. Tens of thousands of Lebanese residents remain displaced, uncertain of their return.