An Israeli drone attack in southern Lebanon on Monday killed the driver of an excavator in the Shamsiyah area of Sohmor, Bekaa Valley, as near-daily Israeli strikes continue despite a ceasefire announced in November, according to Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency (NNA). Social media footage verified by Al Jazeera showed emergency responders removing the victim.
Local reports said dozens of Israeli drones flew low over several villages in southern and eastern Lebanon. Additional attacks targeted the town of Aitaroun and a house in Houmin al-Fauqa, though no casualties were reported there.
Since the ceasefire took effect on November 27, over 150 people have been killed in Israeli strikes in Lebanon. The ceasefire was intended to end months of cross-border conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, during which more than 4,000 people died, Hezbollah’s military capabilities were weakened, and much of its leadership was lost.
Despite the ceasefire, Israel has not fully withdrawn its forces and maintains at least five military positions near the Lebanon border. The NNA reported a series of raids on Sunday across several locations including the Medena Plain, Kfar Rumman, Jarmaq, and Mahmoudiya.
Israel strike’s on Lebanon
Earlier this month, an Israeli strike in Bint Jbeil killed five civilians, including three children. Israel acknowledged targeting a Hezbollah member but confirmed that uninvolved civilians died in the attack.
Israel demands Hezbollah disarm first before withdrawing, a requirement Hezbollah rejects. Israel asserts its strikes aim to prevent Hezbollah from rebuilding after last year’s war that resulted in the death of Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah.
Hezbollah faces mounting pressure from Israel and the US to disarm. On September 5, Lebanon’s government charged the army with preparing a disarmament plan. However, US envoy Tom Barrack noted that Hezbollah’s deep political roots complicate disarmament, stating it is ultimately Lebanon’s responsibility.
The US Department of Defense recently announced $14.2 million to support the Lebanese army in its mission to “degrade Hezbollah,” part of a broader effort to counter Iranian-backed groups.
Hezbollah has dismissed calls for disarmament as a US-Israeli effort to weaken Lebanon. Secretary-General Naim Qassem vowed to retain weapons and confront any initiative benefiting Israel, warning that disarmament under current conditions risks increased vulnerability.
