Israel Strikes Back After Hezbollah Missile Attack, Warns Against Weapons Smuggling

Jerusalem [Israel], December 3: Hezbollah launched two missiles at Mount Dov in northern Israel on Monday, marking the first attack since the ceasefire took effect on Wednesday morning. Hezbollah claimed responsibility, describing the missile fire as "a warning" to Israel.

The incident occurred amidst accusations from the United States and France that Israel violated the ceasefire through surveillance flights over Beirut. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar dismissed these claims, stating, "The opposite is true. Israel is enforcing the agreement in response to Hezbollah violations, including armed operatives in southern Lebanon and attempts to transfer weapons."

Sa’ar cautioned French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot that Israel would escalate its actions if Hezbollah failed to relocate its forces north of the Litani River, as stipulated by the ceasefire agreement.

In response to Hezbollah’s actions, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed airstrikes on a Hezbollah missile production facility in Lebanon's Beqaa Valley and other sites along the Lebanon-Syria border used for weapons smuggling. Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, IDF Spokesperson, emphasized Israel’s stance against Iran’s use of Syria to arm Hezbollah, stating, "Hezbollah was defeated in this campaign, and we will ensure they do not receive weapons from Iran."

On Sunday night, Israeli fighter jets intercepted an Iranian plane suspected of carrying weapons, forcing it to return to Tehran.

The ceasefire agreement requires Hezbollah to withdraw its armed forces from southern Lebanon, including areas south of the Litani River. Israeli forces are also set to withdraw from the region in stages, with the Lebanese Armed Forces and United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) monitoring the area.

The escalation follows Hezbollah's increased aggression after Hamas's October 7, 2023, attacks on Israeli communities near the Gaza border, which left over 1,200 people dead and displaced 68,000 residents of northern Israel. Hezbollah’s actions, including drone launches and daily rocket attacks, have exacerbated regional tensions, with its leadership vowing to prevent displaced Israelis from returning to their homes.

According to United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701, Hezbollah is prohibited from operating in southern Lebanon south of the Litani River. The recent attacks underline the fragile state of the ceasefire and the continued threat posed by armed groups in the region.