Israel-Hezbollah Ceasefire Nears Collapse as Airstrikes, Drone Attacks Resume
Summary
- Reports said the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon’s armed group Hezbollah is effectively nearing collapse.
- The Israeli military carried out airstrikes on southern Lebanon, killing at least 14 people and wounding 37 others.
- Amid delays in ceasefire talks between the US and Iran, Israel appears to be stepping up military pressure on Hezbollah.
Forecast Trend Report by Period
A ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon’s armed group Hezbollah is effectively unraveling as negotiations between the US and Iran over ending the war remain stalled. Airstrikes and drone attacks have resumed, fueling a renewed escalation in cross-border fighting.
Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency reported on April 26 that Israeli warplanes struck areas in southern Lebanon including Kfar Tebnit. Israel had earlier issued evacuation warnings for southern areas including Mayfadoun and Choukin, signaling impending military action.
Lebanon’s Health Ministry said at least 14 people were killed and 37 wounded in the strikes. The dead reportedly included women and children. It was the highest daily casualty toll since the ceasefire took effect on April 18.
Hezbollah responded with a suicide drone attack targeting Israeli forces stationed in southern Lebanon, killing one Israeli soldier and wounding six others. The group also launched three more drones toward northern Israel, but all were intercepted.
Each side accused the other of violating the ceasefire. Israel called Hezbollah’s attack a breach of the truce and vowed a forceful response. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Hezbollah’s actions were effectively dismantling the ceasefire agreement, signaling that military operations could be expanded. Hezbollah said Israel’s occupation of Lebanese territory and airstrikes came first, describing its attack as a legitimate response to repeated ceasefire violations.
The renewed clashes are being interpreted as part of a broader pattern tied to delays in US-Iran negotiations to end the war. With uncertainty around those talks mounting, Israel appears to be intensifying military pressure on Hezbollah.
The two sides agreed to a ceasefire in late February, but doubts about its durability had persisted because the Lebanese government, rather than Hezbollah, was the formal party to the agreement.
Lee Song-ryeol, Hankyung.com reporter yisr0203@hankyung.com
Korea Economic Daily
hankyung@bloomingbit.ioThe Korea Economic Daily Global is a digital media where latest news on Korean companies, industries, and financial markets.
