Beirut, Lebanon. At least 10 people were killed in Israeli air strikes on eastern Lebanon, according to state media reports, marking a sharp rise in fatalities since the November 2024 ceasefire.
Bekaa Valley strikes
The strikes targeted the Bekaa Valley, where the Israeli military said it was hitting sites belonging to Hezbollah. Hezbollah said in a statement that a senior official was among the dead, and the attacks were described as among the deadliest recorded in Lebanon since the end of the war last year.
Earlier strike near Sidon
The escalation in eastern Lebanon followed an earlier strike on the Ain al-Helweh Palestinian refugee camp near the port city of Sidon. Two people were killed in the strike on the densely populated camp, which the Israeli army said was directed at a Hamas command centre.
Ceasefire terms and continued air attacks
Daily strikes have continued across Lebanon since the ceasefire took effect in November 2024. The US- and French-brokered deal required both Israeli forces and Hezbollah fighters to withdraw from southern Lebanon, but ongoing air attacks have hindered efforts by residents to return to stability.
Talks in Naqoura and differing responses
In December 2025, civilian envoys from both countries met for rare direct talks in the border town of Naqoura. After the meeting, the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the atmosphere was positive and that ideas for economic cooperation were discussed, while Israeli officials said Hezbollah’s disarmament remained a mandatory condition.
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam offered a more cautious response, saying the focus was on defusing tensions and that Lebanon remained far from any formal diplomatic normalisation with Israel.
Background on Hezbollah
Hezbollah is a Shia Muslim political and military organisation in Lebanon with Iranian support. It is a major player in Lebanese politics and is designated as a terrorist organisation by several countries, including Israel, the UK, and the US.
What impact do you think the continued air strikes have had on prospects for stability in Lebanon?