Israel kills twelve people in strikes on eastern Lebanon
- Israeli airstrikes in the Bekaa Valley killed twelve people, including five Hezbollah fighters and seven Syrian refugees.
- The attacks were the deadliest since a truce in November that had briefly halted conflict.
- Israel claims the strikes were necessary to counter Hezbollah's military ambitions and sent a warning to Lebanese authorities.
On July 15, 2025, in Lebanon, a series of Israeli airstrikes targeted the Bekaa Valley, resulting in the deaths of twelve individuals, including five affiliated with Hezbollah and seven Syrian refugees. The strikes, which occurred near Baalbeck, generated substantial damage and distress, sending thick plumes of black smoke into the sky. In this context, the Israeli military stated that these actions were in response to Hezbollah's activities, which they claimed represented a breach of peace agreements and a threat to Israel's security. The attacks mark a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, particularly following a November 27 truce that had momentarily de-escalated hostilities after 14 months of severe conflict. Since the ceasefire established on February 18, Israel has been pursuing military engagement in southern Lebanon and has targeted areas believed to be strongholds of Hezbollah. Reports indicate that over 200 mid-level commanders and followers associated with Hezbollah, along with innocent civilians, have fallen victim to these military operations since the ceasefire came into effect. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz emphasized the necessity of these strikes as a message towards Hezbollah and a warning to the Lebanese government. He argued that the militant group's plans to enhance its military capabilities, specifically related to the Radwan Force, are unacceptable and would be met with forceful resistance from Israel. This showed Israel's commitment to preventing any resurgence of Hezbollah's military strength along the border. In a parallel development, Lebanon's central bank issued a directive restricting financial dealings with unlicensed organizations, including Hezbollah's financial institution, Al Qard al-Hassan. This directive reflects Lebanon's efforts to enhance financial regulation and address international concerns regarding illicit activities attributed to Hezbollah. The issuance of the directive aligns with a notable decline in Hezbollah's influence over various state institutions following the recent conflict, marking a significant moment in the ongoing power dynamics within Lebanon and the broader region.