IDF Launches New Wave of Strikes in South Lebanon Following Hezbollah Attack

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) initiated a fresh series of strikes in southern Lebanon overnight Sunday, targeting Hezbollah positions in response to an earlier attack that left three Israeli soldiers seriously wounded. One of the strikes focused on the Ali Taher ridge, the site of the initial incident, according to Al Jazeera. Details on specific targets and casualties from the latest wave have not been disclosed.

This escalation follows weekend IDF attacks on Hezbollah infrastructure in Nabatieh and Ansar. The military stated these operations were in retaliation for Hezbollah's actions against Israeli forces operating in the Ali Taher ridge area, within the security zone under Israeli control, in accordance with the ceasefire agreement. Among the targets was a central Hezbollah command post in Ansar, used to coordinate the group's activities in the region.

The IDF announced that Ali Samir al-Hajj Hassan, a battalion commander in Hezbollah's Radwan Force unit, was killed in the strike along with several operatives involved in planning attacks against Israeli troops. The military claimed Hassan was hiding in the command post with family members, who were also harmed but were not the intended targets, accusing Hezbollah of using them as human shields.

The Lebanese Ministry of Health reported 11 fatalities and 19 injuries from the strikes in Ansar and Deir al-Zahrani, including three children and two women. Following the wounding of Israeli soldiers, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued an unusual English-language statement over the weekend, condemning Hezbollah for violating the ceasefire and attacking Israeli forces within the "yellow line." He affirmed Israel's commitment to respond forcefully to any threats against its soldiers.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Najib Mikati condemned the Israeli strikes, warning they undermine U.S.-led efforts to stabilize the region and advance negotiations. The IDF reiterated its resolve to prevent Hezbollah from threatening Israeli forces or civilians and confirmed it would continue operations to neutralize such threats. The recent strike on Ali Taher ridge underscores Israel's ongoing military response at the location of the initial attack.