Daijiworld Media Network - Beirut
Beirut, Dec 5: Fresh tension gripped the Lebanon-Israel border on Thursday as Israeli forces launched a series of air raids on multiple villages in southern Lebanon, claiming to target Hezbollah’s weapons storage facilities. The attacks come just a day after Lebanese and Israeli civilian representatives held their first direct talks in decades under the UN ceasefire monitoring mechanism at Naqura.
Although a ceasefire agreement was put in place in November 2024 to end over a year-long conflict between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah, cross-border hostilities have continued to simmer. Israeli troops continue to occupy five strategic areas in south Lebanon, further fueling unrest.
The brief respite due to the visit of Pope Leo XIV earlier this week ended abruptly as explosions rocked Mahrouna, Jbaa, Majadal, and Baraasheet. Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency confirmed the strikes, while smoke was seen rising from the targeted zones.
Local residents voiced shock, stating the areas were purely civilian. “We are used to threats, but this time every window around has shattered. People are terrified,” said a local official from Jbaa.
The Israeli military maintained that it struck Hezbollah arms caches “hidden within civilian populations”, accusing the group of putting innocent lives at risk by operating from residential areas.
Amidst growing fears of a wider conflict, diplomatic developments provided a small ray of hope. Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun announced that a second round of talks with Israel will be held on December 19, describing the initial discussion as “positive” and stressing the power of dialogue over war.
Israel’s Prime Minister’s Office also labelled the atmosphere at talks as encouraging, stating that ideas to explore economic cooperation were discussed — though making it clear that Hezbollah must disarm.
Lebanon’s Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, however, clarified that the discussions were strictly limited to reinforcing the ceasefire, securing the release of Lebanese hostages, and ensuring Israel’s complete withdrawal from Lebanese territory. “This is not yet peace negotiation,” he emphasised.
France and the United States have welcomed the renewed communication channels, expressing confidence that continued engagement could pave the way for long-term stability in the region.
Even as diplomatic doors reopen, the fear on the ground persists — with civilians once again bearing the brunt of renewed military aggression.