Israel conducted its most extensive airstrikes in Lebanon since last week’s ceasefire agreement, killing at least 11 people Monday after Hezbollah fired projectiles in what it called a warning response to alleged Israeli violations of the truce.
Lebanon’s Health Ministry reported five deaths and two injuries in the southern village of Haris, while another strike on Tallousa killed four people and wounded two others. Earlier strikes killed a motorcycle rider and a Lebanese security services corporal, according to state media.
The escalation began after Hezbollah launched two projectiles toward Mount Dov, a disputed Israeli-held territory known in Lebanon as Shebaa Farms. Hezbollah described the attack as a “defensive and warning response” to what it termed “repeated violations” of the ceasefire by Israel.
Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri accused Israel of more than 50 recent truce violations through airstrikes, home demolitions, and airspace incursions. However, U.S. National Security spokesman John Kirby downplayed the incidents, saying the ceasefire is “largely holding” with strikes reduced from “dozens” to “one or two a day.”
The 60-day truce, brokered by the United States and France, requires Hezbollah to withdraw fighters and infrastructure from southern Lebanon while Israeli forces retreat to their side of the border. The agreement aims to end more than a year of cross-border hostilities linked to the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.
Meanwhile, President-elect Donald Trump issued a stark warning regarding Israeli hostages held in Gaza, threatening severe consequences if they aren’t released before his anticipated return to office in January. Israeli President Isaac Herzog welcomed Trump’s statement, while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office declined comment.
The border tensions coincide with mounting humanitarian concerns in Gaza, where the UN has suspended aid deliveries due to armed gangs looting convoys. The World Food Program reports reaching only 300,000 Palestinians in November amid ongoing military operations and security challenges.
