Hezbollah has vowed to continue armed resistance following a series of Israeli airstrikes that killed eight of its fighters in eastern Lebanon, escalating tensions in an already fragile region.
In a statement on Saturday, the Iran-backed group described the strikes as a “new massacre” and declared that it had “no option” but to continue what it called national defence through armed resistance.
The Israel Defense Forces confirmed targeting Hezbollah command centres and missile infrastructure in the Baalbek area, saying the operation was aimed at neutralising militants.
Reports indicate the casualties included a commander who was attending a meeting in the Bekaa region at the time of the strike.
The escalation comes as the Government of Lebanon prepares to launch the second phase of a military plan to disarm Hezbollah in southern Lebanon a move that has heightened political tensions inside the country.
Israeli forces also reportedly struck Hamas-linked sites inside a Palestinian refugee camp in southern Lebanon, with Lebanese health officials reporting additional civilian casualties.
The renewed hostilities have strained a ceasefire brokered in November 2024.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned the airstrikes as a “blatant act of aggression,” warning they could undermine diplomatic efforts led by the United States and other international partners to stabilise the region.
Hezbollah lawmakers have urged the Lebanese government to suspend participation in the multinational ceasefire monitoring committee until Israel halts its aerial operations, accusing authorities of failing to protect the country.
Regional tensions remain high amid ongoing friction between United States and Iran, particularly over Tehran’s nuclear programme.
Hezbollah leaders warned that any attack on Iran would be treated as a direct assault on the group.
Analysts say the overlapping pressures of regional rivalries, domestic disarmament efforts, and continued cross-border hostilities make a return to lasting stability increasingly uncertain.
