By Naim Berjawi and Said Amori
BEIRUT (AA) - Israeli warplanes conducted a series of airstrikes late Sunday in eastern and southern Lebanon along with low-altitude flights over the capital Beirut and its suburbs in new violations of a ceasefire agreement.
Israeli fighter jets launched four successive airstrikes targeting the area between the towns of Aazze and Bfaroueh in Nabatieh governorate of southern Lebanon, according to Lebanon's National News Agency (NNA).
Israeli aircraft also bombed the Jabour Heights in Jabal al-Rihane, located in Jezzine District of south Lebanon, the agency reported.
In the Bekaa region of east Lebanon, Israeli warplanes carried out a series of strikes targeting the heights of Harbata as well as the town of Qald al-Sabaa in the rugged outskirts of Hermel near the Syrian border, according to NNA.
The agency also reported low-altitude Israeli warplane activity over Beirut and its suburbs.
The Israeli military claimed in a statement that its fighter jets bombed an underground tunnel in the Bekaa region, alleging that it extended from Syrian territory into Lebanon and was used by Hezbollah to transfer weapons and military equipment.
“The warplanes also struck Hezbollah positions in Lebanese territory, claiming they contained weapons and missile launch platforms,” added the statement.
A fragile ceasefire has been in place since Nov. 27, ending months of mutual shelling between Israel and Hezbollah that escalated into a full-scale conflict last September.
Despite the ceasefire, Israel has committed over 870 violations, killing and injuring dozens in Lebanon, including women and children.
Under the ceasefire deal, Israel was supposed to complete its withdrawal from southern Lebanon by Jan. 26, but the deadline was extended to Feb. 18 after Israel refused to comply.