Israel Carries Out Airstrikes in Lebanon Against Hezbollah Targets

What Happened?

The Israeli Air Force carried out multiple airstrikes in Lebanon against Hezbollah targets. The Lebanese Ministry of Health said seven people were killed and forty injured as a result of the attacks. 

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered a second wave of airstrikes “in continuation with the first wave of attacks this morning.” Mr. Netanyahu also added “the government of Lebanon is responsible for everything that happens on its territory.” 

Hezbollah issued a statement saying the group was not responsible for recent rocket attacks on Israeli territory which originated in Lebanon. 

Why it Matters

The Israeli airstrikes represent the largest outbreak of violence between Hezbollah and Israel since the ceasefire was agreed to by both in January. The Israeli Defense Force said the recent attacks were launched against “Hezbollah command centers, infrastructure sites, terrorists, rocket launchers, and a weapons storage facility” in response to rocket attacks against Israel.

Prime Minister Netanyahu’s comments about the government of Lebanon being responsible for everything that happens on its soil is likely a warning to all Lebanese about the dangers posed by Hezbollah operating on Lebanese territory. Such comments are likely designed to tap into Lebanese public opinion and put pressure on both Hezbollah and Lebanon’s government.

The presence of Hezbollah in Lebanon is complex because Hezbollah itself is not just a militant organization. Hezbollah has many branches, some of which are political while others provide social services. 

While many in Lebanon appreciate the social services the group provides, they oppose Hezbollah’s militant activities.

For its part Hezbollah uses the social services it provides not just to buy goodwill but to recruit future members. However the group’s militant activities often invite strong retaliation from Israel, which often falls on the Lebanese civilian population. 

This was especially true in the Gaza War which began in 2023, which saw widespread destruction in Lebanon.

Hezbollah has suffered a series of defeats in the last couple of years. The collapse of the Assad regime in Syria was a blow to the group because Assad was a major supporter of Hezbollah. 

On the battlefield Hezbollah has proven unable to stop Israeli airstrikes or defeat the Israeli military. That combined with the collapse of the Assad regime has put Hezbollah in its weakest position in decades.

That’s probably why Prime Minister Netanyahu chose to follow up Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon with public comments about the role of Hezbollah in that country. With Hezbollah at its weakest in years, now could be an opportune time for Lebanon to try to force Hezbollah out. 

How it Affects You

A resumption of full-blown hostilities in the Middle East could disrupt global commerce and create additional security threats for Europe and the United States. 

The Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon are another indication that the fragile peace which emerged after the January ceasefire may be on the verge of collapsing.