Beirut, Lebanon – Israeli fighter jets launched a series of overnight airstrikes on Hezbollah positions in Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley, escalating tensions in the region and raising concerns over a potential broader conflict. The Israeli military confirmed the strikes, stating they were in response to “terrorist activity” along the Lebanese border, while Hezbollah has vowed retaliation.
According to The Jerusalem Post, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) targeted key Hezbollah strongholds in the valley, which is known to house military infrastructure and weapons storage facilities. The overnight raids reportedly resulted in significant damage, though the extent of casualties remains unclear.
Al Jazeera reported that the strikes violated a recently brokered ceasefire agreement, which aimed to de-escalate cross-border hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah. Lebanese officials condemned the attack, calling it a “flagrant breach of sovereignty”, and urged international intervention to prevent further escalation.
The Times of Israel noted that the IDF justified the strikes by citing increased Hezbollah militant activity along the border, claiming the group had been moving advanced weaponry and launching attacks on Israeli territory. The IDF stated that its military operations were “precise and necessary” to neutralize potential threats.
Yahoo News confirmed that Hezbollah fighters were active in the targeted areas, though the group has yet to release an official statement on the extent of the damage. The attacks mark one of the most significant escalations since the beginning of the year, fueling concerns that Lebanon could become another flashpoint in the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict.
The Bekaa Valley, located along the Lebanon-Syria border, has long been a strategic area for Hezbollah, serving as a corridor for weapons smuggling and militant operations. The latest airstrikes underscore Israel’s determination to prevent Hezbollah from bolstering its military capabilities, particularly in light of the group’s recent threats to retaliate against Israeli actions in Gaza.
The Hindustan Times reported that Lebanese security forces and emergency teams were deployed to the targeted sites, assessing the scale of destruction. Meanwhile, international mediators have urged both sides to exercise restraint to avoid triggering a full-scale conflict.
As tensions between Israel and Hezbollah continue to escalate, military analysts warn that further airstrikes or retaliatory attacks could ignite a wider confrontation between the two longstanding adversaries. The international community is closely watching developments, with calls for diplomatic efforts to prevent another prolonged conflict in the region.
