ALBAWABA- A major explosion caused by Israeli military operations in southern Lebanon triggered a light tremor felt in northern Israel, according to Hebrew Channel 12, as Israeli strikes and demolitions continued across the border despite a US-mediated ceasefire.
Lebanese health authorities and security sources said Israeli forces carried out 56 attacks across southern Lebanon within 24 hours, killing at least 15 people and injuring 69 others.
The escalation came even as the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, recently extended by three weeks, remained officially in place. Lebanese officials said southern Lebanon continues to function as an active conflict zone, with repeated Israeli violations undermining the fragile truce.
In the past four hours alone, Israeli airstrikes hit 13 towns and villages, killing two people and wounding eight others. A series of massive explosions was reported near Al-Qantara in the Marjayoun district, marking the third major strike in the area this week.
Additional Israeli operations included artillery shelling and demolition activities across several districts, including Bint Jbeil, Tyre, and Nabatieh.
Israeli Minister Amichai Chikli confirmed that the Israeli army is deliberately destroying infrastructure in southern Lebanon, saying the operations are intended “to stabilize the new border line of the State of Israel.”
His remarks reflected Israel’s push to establish and secure a buffer zone along the frontier. Israeli officials argue that the strikes are targeting Hezbollah infrastructure and responding to alleged ceasefire violations by the group, while maintaining that Israel retains freedom of military action to counter immediate threats.
Lebanese sources and Hezbollah, however, accused Israel of systematic breaches of the ceasefire, including the demolition of homes, land-clearing operations, and attacks beyond agreed security zones.
The buffer zone strategy effectively gives Israel an open-ended military mandate in southern Lebanon, preventing displaced residents from returning to dozens of villages and further disrupting civilian life. Hezbollah has defended its own drone and rocket attacks as legitimate retaliation for what it calls continuous Israeli violations.
The escalation comes as Israeli and Lebanese officials continue indirect US-mediated talks in Washington aimed at preserving the ceasefire and negotiating longer-term security arrangements.
