IDF Prepares for Further Strikes in Lebanon Amid Political Discussions on Response

Following an initial wave of Israeli Air Force strikes targeting Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are preparing for additional attacks overnight Wednesday. The military cited Hezbollah's "blatant violation" of the ceasefire agreement as the reason for the ongoing operations, which have so far included strikes on six Hezbollah targets. Israel expressed deep disappointment with the Lebanese Army's lack of action against Hezbollah.

In parallel, Israeli political leaders convened discussions to determine whether and how to escalate their response, ahead of renewed Israel-Lebanon talks scheduled for Thursday in Rome. Earlier Wednesday, the IDF issued an evacuation warning to residents of the village of al-Mansouri in southern Lebanon, accusing Hezbollah of breaching the ceasefire. Shortly after, the IDF conducted targeted strikes in the area, resulting in one fatality and several injuries. A military source explained that al-Mansouri lies within a security zone controlled by the IDF, where ongoing military activity endangers Lebanese civilians. The IDF evacuated residents to protect them, noting that the Lebanese Army had established a checkpoint in the area contrary to agreements.

The IDF spokesperson, Lt. Col. Ella Vaya, stated in Arabic that the violations force Israel to act strongly against Hezbollah, urging civilians to immediately evacuate their homes and move at least one kilometer north for their safety. She warned that anyone near Hezbollah operatives, infrastructure, or weapons risks their life.

Meanwhile, talks between Israel and Lebanon resumed in Rome, with Lebanese officials telling the Beirut International Voice newspaper that Hezbollah remains a potential disruptor despite being weakened by Israeli strikes. The discussions will focus on stabilizing the ceasefire, the situation on the ground, and the demolition of homes and towns by Israel. Lebanon plans to demand a halt to Israeli actions and preparations for expanding pilot zones, including their locations and start dates. These pilot zones are part of a U.S.-backed initiative following a successful trial involving three southern Lebanese villages, aiming for gradual Israeli withdrawal, Lebanese Army deployment, and Hezbollah disarmament.

Lebanese security sources warned that President Michel Aoun's acceptance of certain demands could lead to civil war with Hezbollah. The Lebanese Army recently began entering areas vacated by the IDF, though tensions remain, as the Lebanese Army accused Israel of firing near one of its units in the Nabatieh pilot zone. The IDF responded that it fired warning shots at a force entering an unauthorized area outside the pilot zones, contrary to agreements.