The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced on 24/4 that they attacked Hezbollah rocket launchers in the southern Lebanese towns of Yater and Kafra. The IDF stated these launchers "posed a threat to Israeli soldiers and citizens." Additionally, the IDF claimed to have killed six alleged Hezbollah members in the town of Bint Jbeil.

Hezbollah announced on the same day that it attacked Israeli armor in Ramyah, stating it was "in response to the destruction of homes in southern Lebanon, an act violating the ceasefire." Lebanon's Ministry of Health reported at least six people killed and two injured in Israeli airstrikes targeting the country's south.

Suspected Hezbollah gunmen clash with Israeli forces in Bint Jbeil, Lebanon on 24/4. Video: IDF.

The clashes occurred one day after US President Donald Trump announced that the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon would be extended for three weeks. He also affirmed that the US would cooperate with Lebanon to help the country "defend itself against Hezbollah."

Ali Fayyad, a Lebanese parliament member and Hezbollah affiliate, stated that "the ceasefire is meaningless." He accused Israel of continuing hostile actions such as "assassinations, shelling, shootings, and the destruction of villages and towns" in southern Lebanon. "Every Israeli attack grants us the right to respond commensurately," he said.

Under the agreement, effective from 16/4, the Israeli military is not required to withdraw from the 5-10 km wide buffer zone it established in southern Lebanon. The IDF stated this area aims to protect northern Israel from Hezbollah rocket attacks.

Location of Israel, Lebanon. Graphic: RANE.

The conflict in Lebanon re-erupted in early 3/2026, after the Hezbollah armed group launched rockets into Israeli territory. This was in retaliation for the assassination of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei on the first day of the Middle East conflict. Israel responded with large-scale attacks across Lebanon and deployed troops into the southern neighboring country.

The conflict has resulted in nearly 2,500 deaths in Lebanon. Israel currently controls a 5-10 km strip of territory inside Lebanon, stating its objective is to protect northern Israel from Hezbollah attacks. The Israeli military also warns residents of southern Lebanon not to enter this area.

By Nguyen Tien (AFP, CNN, Reuters)