Israel Conducts Multiple Airstrikes in Southern Lebanon Amid Ceasefire Breaches

Israel carried out fresh airstrikes on southern Lebanon, targeting the town of Toul and other areas such as Soujod, Touline, Sawanna, and the Rihan Mountain, despite a ceasefire agreement reached in November aimed at ending hostilities with Hezbollah. The Israeli military issued evacuation warnings to residents near buildings it claimed were used by Hezbollah, although no evidence was publicly provided. Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam condemned the attacks, calling on the international community to pressure Israel to respect the ceasefire, especially as municipal elections approach in southern Lebanon where Hezbollah and its allies are expected to dominate. Israel has reportedly violated the ceasefire more than 3,000 times, maintaining troops in parts of southern Lebanon contrary to the agreement and UN Security Council resolutions calling for disarmament of non-state groups and exclusive arms bearing by Lebanese troops and UN peacekeepers. Lebanon asserts it has complied with its ceasefire obligations, while Hezbollah has dismantled infrastructure south of the Litani River but refuses full disarmament elsewhere. The ongoing strikes and Israeli military presence have raised concerns about regional stability and voter safety in the upcoming elections.