Beirut, Lebanon – June 28, 2025
On June 27, 2025, Israel launched a series of airstrikes targeting Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon, marking one of the most significant military operations in the region since a fragile ceasefire was brokered in November 2024. The strikes, which focused on Hezbollah’s infrastructure near Nabatieh and the Beaufort Ridge, have heightened tensions and prompted accusations of ceasefire violations from both sides, further destabilizing an already volatile region.
According to the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), the airstrikes were a response to Hezbollah’s alleged attempts to restore a previously damaged underground facility in the Beaufort Ridge area, a move Israel claims violates the terms of the November 2024 ceasefire agreement. The agreement, mediated by international actors, restricts Hezbollah’s armed presence south of the Litani River to prevent escalation along the Israel-Lebanon border. The IDF reported that over 20 airstrikes were conducted in a 15-minute span, targeting missile sites, ammunition depots, and other military outposts linked to Hezbollah. Secondary detonations were reported for hours after the strikes, indicating the presence of stored munitions.
Lebanese authorities reported significant casualties and damage. One woman was killed, and 21 others were injured, including 11 in an apartment building struck during the raids near Nabatieh. Four additional injuries were reported earlier in the day. Lebanon’s government condemned the strikes as a “flagrant violation” of the ceasefire, arguing that the attacks undermine ongoing peace efforts and threaten civilian lives. Local officials and residents expressed outrage, with some calling for international intervention to enforce the ceasefire.
Hezbollah, a powerful Lebanese militant group and political party allied with Iran, has not issued an official response to the strikes as of June 28, 2025. However, the group’s relative restraint in recent regional conflicts, including the ongoing Israel-Iran tensions, has sparked speculation about its current capabilities. Some observers suggest Hezbollah’s limited response may reflect a weakened position following previous confrontations with Israel, including the 66-day conflict in 2024 that led to the ceasefire. Others argue the group is strategically avoiding escalation to preserve its influence in Lebanon’s complex political landscape.
The airstrikes come amid heightened regional tensions following Israel’s recent military actions against Iran and its proxies. Social media discussions, particularly on platforms like X, highlight polarized sentiments. Some users view Israel’s strikes as a necessary preemptive measure to neutralize Hezbollah’s military buildup, while others see them as an aggressive overreach that risks reigniting large-scale conflict. Posts on X also note Hezbollah’s diminished regional clout, with some claiming the group’s losses in Lebanon and Syria have left it “toothless” compared to its former strength.
The November 2024 ceasefire was intended to stabilize the Israel-Lebanon border after months of cross-border skirmishes that displaced thousands and caused significant destruction. However, both sides have accused each other of violations, with Israel pointing to Hezbollah’s alleged rearmament and Hezbollah citing Israeli drone overflights and incursions. The latest strikes have intensified calls for renewed diplomatic efforts to prevent a return to full-scale conflict.
International reactions have been mixed. The United States, a key ally of Israel, has not publicly commented on the strikes but has previously emphasized the need for all parties to adhere to the ceasefire. Meanwhile, regional powers like Iran, which backs Hezbollah, have condemned Israel’s actions as provocative. The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), tasked with monitoring the ceasefire, has yet to release a statement but is expected to investigate the incidents.
As the situation unfolds, analysts warn that the strikes could escalate into broader hostilities if not addressed through diplomacy. Lebanon, already grappling with economic and political crises, faces further strain from the renewed violence. For now, the region remains on edge, with the fragile ceasefire hanging in the balance.
