Israel strikes 135 Hezbollah targets over 24 hours; says 12 nationals killed since ceasefire agreement
Tel Aviv, May 28
The Israel Defence Forces on Thursday stated that it carried out a large-scale strike campaign against Hezbollah, targeting more than 135 locations across southern Lebanon over the past 24 hours, amid escalating tensions along the border.
In a statement posted on Telegram, the IDF said the strikes hit multiple operational sites, including rocket launch positions, military infrastructure, and training facilities.
"The IDF struck more than 135 Hezbollah terrorist organisation targets over the past 24 hours in the areas of Tyre, the Beqaa, and southern Lebanon," the statement said.
According to the Israeli military, around 10 rocket launch sites used for attacks on Israeli soldiers and civilians were struck in the Beqaa region and southern Lebanon. It also confirmed that a Hezbollah training camp in Brital in the Beqaa area was targeted.
The IDF further stated that overnight operations hit approximately 15 military infrastructure sites in Tyre, allegedly used to support attacks, while an aerial strike eliminated a militant cell exiting a launch site.
"Overnight, the IDF struck approximately 15 military infrastructure sites in Tyre that were used by Hezbollah terrorists to advance attacks. In addition, the Israeli Air Force eliminated a terrorist cell while it was exiting a launch site used by Hezbollah terrorists to launch rockets toward IDF soldiers," the statement read.
Meanwhile, Israel's Foreign Ministry, in a post on X, claimed that Hezbollah had violated ceasefire arrangements repeatedly and was responsible for continued cross-border attacks.
"Hezbollah is violating the ceasefire again and again, having killed 12 Israelis since the agreement - civilians and soldiers alike," the ministry said, adding that more than 8,700 projectiles had been fired across the Israel-Lebanon border since March 2.
It further stated that Israel would take all necessary measures to protect its citizens and dismantle what it described as Hezbollah's "terror infrastructure" in Lebanon, while accusing Beirut of failing to contain the group's activities.
"Israel has no territorial claims in Lebanon," the post added.
Earlier, on May 15, the US State Department stated that Israel and Lebanon have agreed to extend their ceasefire for the next 45 days amidst Israeli attacks on Lebanon.
According to a statement attributed to US State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott, the decision comes following the round of peace talks between the two sides, which concluded in Washington.
He stated that the talks were "highly productive" and stressed that the political negotiations would continue on June 2 and 3, along with a "security track" beginning at the Pentagon on May 29, which will involve the presence of both officials from Israel and Lebanon.
— ANI
Reader Comments
As someone from a border state in India, I understand the frustration. When your neighbor keeps violating agreements, you have to take strong action. But 135 targets in 24 hours? That's massive. Innocent civilians in Lebanon will suffer too. Both sides need to realize this endless cycle of violence only brings misery. 💔
The fact that the US is involved in extending the ceasefire shows how fragile this situation is. Why doesn't the international community put more pressure on both sides? India's stance on terrorism is clear - we condemn all forms. But I worry about the humanitarian cost. Those rocket launch sites might be in populated areas. 😔
Yeh sab hota rahega jab tak Lebanon apni zameen par Hezbollah ko control karna nahi seekhega. Israel ne sahi kaha - unka koi territorial claim nahi hai Lebanon mein. But 8,700 projectiles since March 2? That's insane! India should offer to mediate if possible, we have good relations with both sides. Just thinking out loud... 🤔
I'm not convinced by Israel's narrative. They say 12 Israelis were killed since the ceasefire, but what about the Lebanese casualties? The IDF strikes are broad and heavy. This reminds me of how powerful nations often use "counter-terrorism" to justify heavy-handed tactics. Peace talks in Washington sound promising, but the killing continues. When will this madness end? 🕊️
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.