As Israel intensifies its airstrikes in Gaza, escalating Israeli attacks in southern Lebanon have claimed the lives of five Hezbollah members in recent days, according to Lebanese security sources, highlighting the fragility of the U.S.-mediated ceasefire.
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah has been the deadliest spillover from the Gaza war, simmering along the border for months before escalating into a full-scale Israeli offensive that decimated Hezbollah's leadership, fighters, and military stockpiles.
Although the ceasefire has significantly curbed hostilities, both sides accuse each other of failing to comply with its terms. Israel insists Hezbollah maintains military infrastructure in the south, while Lebanon and Hezbollah argue that Israel continues to occupy Lebanese territory by refusing to withdraw from five strategic hilltops.
The Israeli military has confirmed targeting five Hezbollah operatives in three separate strikes in southern Lebanon since March 15. One such attack on Sunday targeted two militants who, according to Israel, acted as lookouts and coordinated "terrorist activities." Lebanese security sources reported that five Hezbollah members were killed in these strikes.
On Sunday, Israel also reported that gunfire struck a parked car in the Israeli town of Avivim, likely originating from Lebanon, though no group claimed responsibility.
In Lebanon, Israeli airstrikes on Monday destroyed temporary housing in two towns—shelters meant for civilians displaced by the conflict, Lebanese security sources said.
The U.S.-brokered ceasefire, implemented in November, required Hezbollah to disarm in the south and for Israeli troops to withdraw as the Lebanese army took control of the region.
Earlier this month, Israel agreed to U.S.-facilitated talks with Lebanon to resolve border disputes and released five Lebanese detainees in what it described as a goodwill gesture toward Lebanon’s president.
Hezbollah, however, has placed the responsibility of reclaiming Israeli-occupied territory on the Lebanese state. Senior Hezbollah official Ali Damoush reaffirmed on Friday that the group would not disarm while Israeli forces remained in Lebanon.
Experts suggest Hezbollah is treading carefully before escalating the conflict further. The group faces logistical challenges, particularly after losing its main overland supply route to Iran following the decline of its ally, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Additionally, many of its supporters have been displaced by the war's devastation.
"So far, Hezbollah is exercising restraint, leaving the decision to escalate in the hands of the government and the Lebanese army," said Qassem Kassir, a Lebanese analyst with close ties to Hezbollah.