‘Israeli’ army strikes south Lebanon, claims killing Hezbollah officer

• The ‘Israeli’ military intensified its air campaign in southern Lebanon, killing Abu Ali Salameh, claimed to be a Hezbollah liaison officer—in Yanouh, and striking targets in Kafour, Jarjouaa, and Qennarit as part of what it describes as the enforcement of ceasefire terms.
• Tensions have peaked as ‘Israel’ dismisses the Lebanese Army’s "Phase One" disarmament of the South Litani sector as insufficient, while maintaining a fortified military presence at five strategic outposts on Lebanese soil to ensure Hezbollah cannot rebuild its infrastructure.

The ‘Israeli’ army said Wednesday it struck Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon, claiming it is in response to Hezbollah’s “repeated ceasefire violations”.

It further claimed it killed Abu Ali Salameh, a Hezbollah liaison officer in the village of Yanouh in Southern Lebanon. 

Media reports said ‘Israeli’ airstrikes struck the towns of Kafour, Jarjouaa and Qennarit in southern Lebanon.

Earlier today, the ‘Israeli’ military launched targeted strikes on southern Lebanese towns that killed two people, also claiming the strikes killed Hezbollah members.

Also on Wednesday morning, a strike on a vehicle in Al-Zahrani killed one person. Lebanon’s Ministry of Health confirmed the death, while the ‘Israeli’ military said he is a Hezbollah member.

The recent military activity highlights a growing divide between ‘Israeli’ actions and the Lebanese Army's stated progress in securing the south.

Earlier this month, the Lebanese Army announced the completion of "Phase One" of its government-mandated plan to confine all weaponry to the state.

This involved seizing operational control of the region between the Litani River and the ‘Israeli’ border (the "South Litani sector"), with the exception of specific sites still occupied by ‘Israeli’ forces.

‘Israel’ has dismissed these claims of disarmament as insufficient, maintaining its right to strike what it describes as "re-emerging threats."

The Lebanese government is scheduled to discuss the "Phase Two" plan—covering the area from the Litani to the Awali River north of Sidon—in February.

Ceasefire Fragility

The 2024 ceasefire agreement stipulated an ‘Israeli’ withdrawal from southern Lebanon.

However, ‘Israeli’ forces remain stationed at five strategic outposts, arguing that a complete exit is contingent on the verifiable dismantling of Hezbollah’s capabilities.

Lebanon continues to demand a full withdrawal, accusing ‘Israel’ of repeated sovereignty violations during the sensitive disarmament transition.