Israeli Military Continues Lebanon Operations as President Pushes for Ceasefire Deal

Israeli forces launched fresh attacks on Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon Tuesday, targeting rocket launchers and command centers. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun is advocating for a complete ceasefire agreement that would require Hezbollah to surrender all weapons to the Lebanese army.

The Israeli military carried out new attacks against Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon on Tuesday, while Lebanese leadership pushes for a comprehensive ceasefire arrangement.

According to the Israel Defense Forces, Tuesday’s military operations targeted a rocket launching site in Lebanon’s southern region. Israeli troops conducting ground operations in the area also executed raids where they encountered armed militants from the organization, including some who were reportedly planning attacks on Israeli personnel. Military officials said weapons were confiscated during these operations.

On Monday night, Israeli forces attacked Hezbollah operational centers in the southern Lebanese village of Ansar. Military sources stated these facilities were connected to rocket attacks launched from that region into Israeli territory.

The IDF has also been targeting Al-Qard Al-Hasan, a financial organization that provides funding to armed groups including Hezbollah. Military officials report that 30 facilities linked to this organization have been hit since the previous week. This group supplies financial support for Hezbollah’s operations, including purchasing weapons and equipment and paying member salaries.

Israeli officials describe their military campaign as focused on destroying Hezbollah’s operational network, with strikes reaching areas connected to the group’s activities in Beirut.

The current military escalation began after Hezbollah launched missile attacks into Israel last week following Israeli strikes on Iran.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has expressed his backing for renewed ceasefire negotiations. In a virtual conference on Monday with European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Aoun endorsed a “complete ceasefire” with Israel contingent on Israel ending its military activities. He also requested logistical support for Lebanon’s military forces.

Aoun stated that under such an agreement, Lebanon’s armed forces would guarantee Hezbollah’s disarmament and “confiscate all weapons” from the militant organization. He advocated for “direct negotiations under international sponsorship to reach the implementation” of ceasefire conditions.

A previous ceasefire agreement that concluded hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah on November 27, 2024, mandated that Lebanon “prevent Hezbollah and other armed groups from conducting operations against Israel.” Israeli leadership maintains that Hezbollah’s persistent refusal to disarm, contrary to what was previously agreed upon, necessitates continued military operations to secure the border region.