Israeli warplanes launched a series of airstrikes across southern Lebanon and the Bekaa region on Sunday afternoon, targeting multiple towns and issuing urgent evacuation warnings to residents in several districts.
The military operations targeted the Bint Jbeil district, specifically the towns of Haris, Deir Antar, Khirbet Salam, Hadatha and Tibnin. Additional strikes hit Al-Marwaniyah in the Dahr al-Hawa neighborhood of the Saida district.
Expansion of Aerial Operations
Beyond the initial wave, Israeli aircraft carried out two strikes on the town of Al-Bissariya. Further raids targeted the center of Al-Babiliyah in the Saida district, as well as renewed strikes on Haris and Khirbet Salam in Bint Jbeil.
The aerial campaign also extended to the towns of Tayr Falsih, Sadiqein, and Maarab. Simultaneously, the Israeli army issued evacuation orders for residents of Sahmar in the West Bekaa, as well as the villages of Roumin, Al-Qusaybah (Nabatieh), Kfar Houneh, and Bnaafloul in southern Lebanon.
Hezbollah Response and IDF Casualties
In response to what it described as continuous “bloody violations” of the ceasefire, Hezbollah announced operations targeting Israeli military assets in southern Lebanon.
The group stated that its fighters utilized a rocket salvo to target a gathering of soldiers and vehicles in the town of Rashaf, located in the Nabatieh governorate.
In a separate operation in the town of Al-Bayyadah, Hezbollah reported a confirmed hit on an Israeli military bulldozer using a “diving” projectile. The group asserted these actions were direct responses to attacks on southern villages that resulted in civilian casualties.
Israeli Military Losses
The Israeli army acknowledged that rockets and drones were fired near its forces infiltrating southern Lebanon, though it claimed no injuries occurred from those specific attacks.
However, the military confirmed that four personnel were injured by an improvised explosive device (IED) in southern Lebanon during the previous night.
Reports indicate that one soldier was seriously wounded and one officer sustained moderate injuries. A combat officer and another soldier were lightly injured; all four were transported to a hospital for treatment.
Potential Developments
Given the current trajectory, the situation may see further escalation if evacuation warnings are followed by intensified ground or air operations. Hezbollah could increase its targeting of military infrastructure in response to further perceived ceasefire breaches.
Future developments could depend on whether both parties return to the terms of the ceasefire or if the cycle of “violation and response” continues to expand geographically.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which towns were targeted by Israeli airstrikes on Sunday?
Strikes hit Haris, Deir Antar, Khirbet Salam, Hadatha, and Tibnin in Bint Jbeil; Al-Marwaniyah and Al-Babiliyah in Saida; Al-Bissariya, Tayr Falsih, Sadiqein, and Maarab.
What was the outcome of the IED attack mentioned by the Israeli army?
Four military personnel were injured: one soldier was seriously wounded, one officer was moderately wounded, and one combat officer and one soldier were lightly wounded.
What is the total casualty count reported by the Lebanese Ministry of Health?
From March 2 to May 17, the total is 2,988 martyrs and 9,210 wounded.
How do you view the impact of evacuation warnings on the stability of the current ceasefire?
