Israel Launches Major Lebanon Airstrikes Before Hezbollah Disarm Deadline/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Israel launched a wave of airstrikes across southern and northeastern Lebanon targeting Hezbollah facilities ahead of a ceasefire committee meeting. The strikes coincide with mounting international pressure on Lebanon to disarm Hezbollah before year’s end. France, the U.S., and Saudi Arabia are working with Lebanon’s army to finalize a disarmament roadmap.
Israel-Hezbollah Disarmament Crisis Quick Looks
- Israeli airstrikes hit Hezbollah infrastructure in southern and northeastern Lebanon.
- Strikes came one day before international ceasefire monitoring committee meeting.
- Lebanon faces year-end deadline to clear Hezbollah fighters from the border region.
- France, U.S., and Saudi Arabia are supporting the Lebanese army’s efforts.
- Lebanese Army Commander Gen. Rodolph Haikal met with foreign officials in Paris.
- Drone strike in Taybeh wounded four people.
- Israeli bombardment described as a message to disarmament backers.
- Since 2023, 127 civilians reportedly killed in Israeli air raids in Lebanon.
Israel Launches Major Lebanon Airstrikes Before Hezbollah Disarm Deadline
Deep Look
As a critical deadline approaches for the disarmament of Hezbollah near the Lebanese-Israeli border, Israel launched a series of intense airstrikes across Lebanon on Thursday. The attacks targeted Hezbollah’s infrastructure from Mount Rihan in southern Lebanon to Hermel in the northeast, marking one of the broadest aerial offensives in recent months.
These strikes came just a day before a key meeting of the international ceasefire monitoring committee, which oversees the enforcement of a U.S.-mediated truce between Israel and Hezbollah. The upcoming Friday meeting in Paris is only the second gathering since both nations added civilian representatives to a previously military-only body. The committee includes representatives from the United States, France, and the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).
In Paris, Lebanese Armed Forces Commander Gen. Rodolph Haikal met with senior U.S., French, and Saudi officials to strategize on enhancing the army’s control over Lebanon’s southern border. French military chief of staff Gen. Fabien Mandon stated the meetings centered on regional security and Lebanon’s ongoing military challenges. France reaffirmed its commitment to Lebanon’s sovereignty and stability, indicating that its support is rooted in a long-term vision for peace.
Meanwhile, the French Foreign Ministry announced that political factions participating in the Paris discussions agreed to hold a follow-up conference in February, aimed at strengthening Lebanon’s military capabilities. Central to the talks was the issue of Hezbollah’s disarmament. Diplomats from France, Saudi Arabia, and the U.S. collaborated with Haikal to develop a phased roadmap for removing Hezbollah’s armed presence south of the Litani River.
The Lebanese government has committed to completing the first phase of this demilitarization process before the end of 2025. Haikal reassured French officials that the army would meet this timeline, stating that Lebanon remains “committed to implementing the ceasefire deal.”
According to the Israeli military, Thursday’s airstrikes targeted multiple Hezbollah facilities, including training centers, weapons depots, and launch sites. These sites, Israel claims, have been used recently by Hezbollah for operational activities. Israel emphasized that the strikes were aimed at preventing further attacks from Lebanese territory and were necessary for its national defense.
Shortly after the initial bombardment, a drone strike hit a vehicle near the southern Lebanese town of Taybeh, injuring four people. Lebanese media and the state-run National News Agency reported the incident, attributing it to Israeli drones.
Speaker of the Lebanese Parliament Nabih Berri described the airstrikes as “an Israeli message” aimed at influencing the Paris ceasefire meeting. In remarks to fellow lawmakers, Berri referred to the attacks as a “fire belt” designed to send a signal ahead of Friday’s diplomatic gathering.
The escalating military tension comes after a volatile two years along the Lebanon-Israel border. The latest war between the two began in October 2023, when Hezbollah launched rockets at Israel following a surprise cross-border attack by Hamas-led militants into southern Israel. In response, Israel initiated a sweeping aerial and ground campaign against Hezbollah, severely weakening the group’s infrastructure.
Since September 2024, Israel has carried out nearly daily airstrikes on Lebanese territory, targeting Hezbollah fighters and infrastructure. According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, at least 127 civilians have been killed during these operations. These actions have drawn criticism from international human rights groups but have not slowed Israel’s campaign to neutralize Hezbollah as a military threat.
The United States has increased diplomatic pressure on Lebanon in recent weeks, urging the government to make tangible progress on disarming Hezbollah. Western and Arab diplomats argue that Hezbollah’s continued military presence undermines Lebanese sovereignty and complicates long-term peace efforts.
With the deadline for Hezbollah’s removal from the border region fast approaching, regional players remain divided on how to enforce the ceasefire agreement. As the Paris meeting convenes, the international community watches closely to see whether Lebanon can fulfill its commitments—and whether Israel will de-escalate once progress is made.
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