BEIRUT (Dispatches) — Israeli warplanes launched a series of airstrikes early Friday on southern Lebanon, targeting multiple locations in a fresh breach of the fragile ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah that has been in place since November 2024.
Lebanese media reported that the Israeli attacks struck the Ali al-Taher forest, located between Nabatieh al-Fawqa and the Kfar Tebnit area. The strikes triggered a large fire, with footage circulating online showing plumes of thick smoke and flames engulfing the area.
The Israeli military confirmed the operation, claiming that it had targeted a Hezbollah-linked site near the historic Beaufort Castle. The military claimed the facility was used by the Lebanese resistance group to “manage its fire and defense array.” The same site had previously been targeted by Israeli forces in May and June of this year.
Despite a ceasefire that took effect on November 27, 2024, following 14 months of cross-border confrontation, tensions have remained high along the Lebanese border. 
The Zionist regime continues to carry out airstrikes and reconnaissance flights over Lebanese territory, in blatant violation of Lebanon’s sovereignty and the ceasefire agreement.
Israel also continues to occupy five areas in southern Lebanon—Labbouneh, Mount Blat, Owayda Hill, Aaziyyeh, and Hammamis Hill—despite calls for a full withdrawal. 
Lebanese officials have condemned the ongoing occupation and said they are prepared to take “all necessary measures” to ensure the exit of Israeli forces from their territory.
The latest escalation comes amid renewed pressure on Lebanon to disarm Hezbollah - the only viable force against the Israeli aggression and occupation. 
In a move widely viewed as destabilizing, the Trump administration recently approved $230 million in aid to Lebanon’s security forces. According to sources in Washington and Beirut, the funding includes $190 million for the Lebanese Armed Forces and $40 million for the Internal Security Forces (ISF).
The funding, released just before the end of the U.S. fiscal year on September 30, comes at a time when other foreign aid programs have faced sharp reductions under the “America First” policy. Congressional aides described the Lebanese allocation as “significant,” given the size of the country and the scale of the challenges it faces.