Wave of IDF strikes target Hezbollah arms depots, operatives in southern Lebanon

Israeli forces conducted a series of strikes targeting Hezbollah infrastructure and personnel throughout southern Lebanon and along the border with Syria on Wednesday, according to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).

Escalation in Southern Lebanon

Prior to the strikes, the IDF issued evacuation warnings to residents in several towns within southern Lebanon. The military stated that one wave of strikes specifically targeted Hezbollah weapon depots, including a facility located underground. The IDF alleges that Hezbollah deliberately positions its infrastructure within civilian areas, utilizing Lebanese civilians as human shields.

Ceasefire Violations and Smuggling Routes

The IDF asserts that Hezbollah’s activities at these sites represent a violation of the November 2024 ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon and pose a direct threat to Israel. Additionally, Israeli warplanes targeted four land crossings in Lebanon’s northern Hermel region, which the IDF claims were used by Hezbollah to smuggle weapons.

Did You Know? The US-brokered ceasefire in November 2024 required both Israel and Hezbollah to withdraw from southern Lebanon, to be replaced by the Lebanese armed forces.

The strikes resulted in casualties and damage. An AFP photographer and two accompanying journalists sustained minor injuries near a heavily struck location in Qennarit. Furthermore, the IDF reported killing a Hezbollah operative, Abu Ali Salameh, who they identified as a “liaison officer” responsible for obstructing the Lebanese army’s attempt to dismantle a weapons cache in Yanouh last month.

Allegations Against Hezbollah Operative

According to the IDF, Salameh actively worked to prevent the Lebanese army from disarming a weapons depot in Yanouh in December 2025. The IDF claims Salameh coordinated with the Lebanese army to falsely document the site as empty, while simultaneously facilitating the removal of weapons from the location. A separate strike near Sidon killed Mohammad Awatsheh, described by the IDF as a key Hezbollah weapons smuggler involved in transfers from Iraq, Syria, and Gulf states.

Expert Insight: The IDF’s detailed accusations regarding both Salameh and Awatsheh suggest a focused effort to disrupt Hezbollah’s logistical network and undermine its operational capabilities within Lebanon, potentially escalating tensions despite the existing ceasefire.

The Lebanese army issued a statement condemning the Israeli strikes as a violation of Lebanon’s sovereignty and the ceasefire agreement, stating that the attacks hinder disarmament efforts. Since the November ceasefire, the IDF reports having killed over 400 Hezbollah operatives, struck hundreds of sites, and conducted over 1,200 operations in southern Lebanon.

Frequently Asked Questions

What prompted the recent Israeli strikes?

The IDF stated the strikes were in response to Hezbollah activity and the presence of weapon depots, alleging a violation of the November 2024 ceasefire agreement.

What role did Abu Ali Salameh allegedly play?

According to the IDF, Abu Ali Salameh was a Hezbollah “liaison officer” who actively prevented the Lebanese army from dismantling a weapons cache in Yanouh last month.

What was the IDF’s stated justification for targeting land crossings in Hermel?

The IDF claimed that the four land crossings in the Hermel region were being used by Hezbollah to smuggle weapons.

Given the continued military activity and accusations of ceasefire violations, what steps might be taken to de-escalate the situation in southern Lebanon?