Israeli Airstrike Targets Hezbollah in Nabatieh Amidst Peace Framework

Just two days after the signing of a framework agreement between Lebanon and Israel, the Israeli military announced it had 'eliminated armed Hezbollah members equipped with rocket-propelled grenades, targeting a rocket-launching platform in Nabatieh, southern Lebanon, to eliminate threats to its troops.'

The military further stated, in a release shared by spokesperson Ella Waawia on 'X', that it 'targeted a building from which the armed members were operating and dismantled a rocket-launching platform that posed a threat,' and released footage of the strikes.

The statement clarified that 'on Saturday, the Eagles Unit of the 36th Division spotted several Hezbollah members with RPGs near the security area where army forces operate' in southern Lebanon. It added that 'in another operation in the area, the multi-dimensional unit destroyed a Hezbollah-operated rocket launcher threatening their forces.' The statement concluded by reaffirming that it 'will not allow Hezbollah to endanger Israeli citizens or its forces and will continue to act against any threats.'

Framework Agreement Signed

The airstrikes followed a framework agreement signed between Lebanon and Israel in Washington following five rounds of negotiations between the two countries, who have no diplomatic relations. It specifically called for the disarmament of Hezbollah and gradual Israeli withdrawal from areas it moved into in the south, as well as the deployment of the Lebanese army beginning with two 'pilot' regions.

This agreement, brokered by the United States last Friday, is aimed at paving the way for a ceasefire following the conflict that erupted on March 2. This started when Hezbollah launched rockets and drones towards northern Israel after the assassination of former Iranian guide Ali Khamenei, prompting Israel to unleash an intensive air campaign on southern Lebanon and the southern suburbs of Beirut, as well as the Bekaa Valley in eastern Lebanon.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the framework agreement as 'historic' on Saturday evening, viewing it as a 'blow to Iran and Hezbollah.'