Israel Launches Targeted Ground Operations in Southern Lebanon Amid Ceasefire Tensions

Israel has launched its first ground operations in months into southern Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah weapons depots and militant infrastructure despite a ceasefire agreement signed in November 2024. The Israeli military described these as "targeted operations" aimed at dismantling Hezbollah's military presence, specifically in the Jabal Blat and Labbouneh areas, where they destroyed weapons depots, firing positions, and underground storage sites. Although the ceasefire required Israel to withdraw from southern Lebanon, it continues to occupy five locations along the border and has conducted near-daily airstrikes and drone attacks against Hezbollah targets, escalating tensions. Israel's incursions and strikes appear to be a show of force intended to test Hezbollah's limits and assert freedom of operation within Lebanese territory. Hezbollah, weakened by last year’s war and under pressure from the US and Israel to disarm, has not responded militarily to these violations. The ongoing Israeli actions raise concerns about the fragile ceasefire's durability and the potential for renewed conflict in the region.