Israel Attacks Hezbollah Targets in Southern Lebanon After Bridge Destruction Order
Israeli forces expanded attacks against Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon on Sunday, following orders to destroy bridges used by the Iran-backed militant group across the Litani River. The escalation comes amid growing fears of a wider ground invasion, as clashes continue to intensify and the conflict threatens to destabilize the region.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated it had initiated “a broad wave of attacks against Hezbollah terrorist organization infrastructure in southern Lebanon,” according to a statement reported by the Associated Press. The strikes targeted infrastructure in southern Lebanon, building on earlier actions to damage the Qasmiye bridge, a key route linking the south to central Lebanon near the coastal city of Tyre. Defense Minister Israel Katz had previously instructed troops to destroy additional crossings over the Litani River, alleging their employ by Hezbollah for reinforcement.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned the Israeli attacks on bridges and other infrastructure, calling them a “prelude to a ground invasion.” A presidential statement described the actions as a “dangerous escalation and a blatant violation of Lebanese sovereignty.” Aoun asserted the attacks were a dangerous escalation and a clear precursor to a potential ground incursion.
The increased hostilities follow a Hezbollah rocket attack on northern Israel earlier Sunday, which resulted in the death of one person in the Misgav Am community. Hezbollah claimed responsibility, stating it targeted “a gathering of Israeli enemy soldiers” with a rocket barrage. This marked the first fatality in Israel originating from fire from Lebanon since the start of the conflict, which began after the U.S.-Israeli assault on Iran more than three weeks ago, according to Al Jazeera.
More than 1,000 people have been killed in Lebanon, including at least 118 children and 40 health workers, and over one million have been displaced, according to the Lebanese health ministry. These figures raise concerns about a potential humanitarian crisis. Israeli officials maintain the operations are intended to protect communities in northern Israel from Hezbollah attacks. Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, the IDF chief of the general staff, approved plans to “advance the targeted ground operations and strikes” against Hezbollah, characterizing the operation as “prolonged.”
According to Reuters reporting, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) played a role in rebuilding Hezbollah’s military command structure following damage sustained in 2024, including the integration of Iranian officers and subsequent restructuring of the Lebanese group. This suggests a continued and deliberate effort to bolster Hezbollah’s capabilities.
Fears of a full-scale Israeli invasion are mounting in Lebanon, with residents and analysts anticipating a more significant push into Lebanese territory. Evacuation orders and airstrikes have already displaced thousands, creating a growing humanitarian challenge. The situation remains volatile, with no immediate indication of de-escalation.