Israeli jets stage 8 airstrikes in eastern Lebanon despite ceasefire

By Wassim Samih Seifeddine and Betul Yilmaz

BEIRUT / ISTANBUL (AA) – Israeli warplanes launched a wave of airstrikes in eastern Lebanon on Monday, in the latest violation of a ceasefire deal in place since November 2024, Lebanese media said.

Seven airstrikes targeted the outskirts of Hermel, while an additional strike hit the outskirts of Al-Labweh in eastern Lebanon, the state news agency NNA reported.

No information was yet available about injuries.

An Israeli military statement claimed that the attacks targeted military facilities and weapon storages used by Hezbollah in the area.

There was no immediate comment from Lebanese authorities or Hezbollah on the Israeli claim.

Israel launched a military offensive in Lebanon on Oct. 8, 2023, which escalated into a full-scale war by September 2024, killing more than 4,000 people and injuring around 17,000.

A ceasefire was reached in November, but Israeli forces have conducted near-daily attacks in southern Lebanon, claiming to target Hezbollah activities.

Under the truce, Israel was supposed to fully withdraw from southern Lebanon by Jan. 26, but the deadline was extended to Feb. 18 after Tel Aviv refused to comply. Israel still maintains a military presence at five border outposts.