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Israel Bombs Alleged Hezbollah Arms Depot in Syria


The Israeli military has carried out multiple strikes on targets that it claims are jeopardizing a cease-fire agreement with Lebanon set for Nov. 27.

On Nov. 30, the Israeli military conducted airstrikes targeting suspected Hezbollah weapons smugglers in Syria who were believed to be transporting weapons across the border into Lebanon.

This strike took place shortly after Israel agreed to a cease-fire with Lebanon, aiming to end almost 14 months of conflict with the terrorist group Hezbollah.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that Israeli Air Force (IAF) aircraft carried out an intelligence-driven strike on sites along the Syria–Lebanon border.

“The strike was launched after identifying Hezbollah weapon smuggling from Syria into Lebanon post the implementation of the cease-fire agreement, thus posing a threat to the State of Israel and violating the terms of the cease-fire agreement,” the IDF mentioned in a press statement.

The cease-fire in Lebanon, brokered by the U.S. and starting on Nov. 27, demanded an immediate cessation of hostilities along the Israel–Lebanon border. As per the agreement, Hezbollah was to move its forces north of the Litani River, while Lebanese government forces were to assert control over areas south of the Litani River. The deal also stipulated that Israeli ground forces would withdraw from southern Lebanon within a 60-day period.

The cease-fire negotiations did not involve direct talks with Hezbollah, with the responsibility placed on the Lebanese government to fulfill the terms of the cease-fire within its borders.

The new cease-fire agreement involves the reinforcement of an existing “tripartite mechanism” by the United States and France—comprising of United Nations peacekeeping forces and Lebanese and Israeli government forces—to ensure adherence to the cease-fire terms and to review any reported violations. Additionally, both the Lebanese and Israeli governments have the right to act in self-defense, in accordance with international law.

“The IDF will persist in eliminating any threats to the State of Israel that contravene the understandings of the cease-fire agreement,” stated the IDF following its strike along the Syria–Lebanon border on Saturday.

Syrian government officials have not yet commented on the IDF strike within their borders. Similarly, Hezbollah has not issued a statement regarding the strike.

The Israeli military has also reported other strikes within Lebanon since the commencement of the cease-fire.

On Saturday, the IDF reported multiple strikes on suspected Hezbollah targets within Lebanon. In one instance, the IDF mentioned that its aircraft targeted individuals observed loading vehicles with weapons and ammunition. Furthermore, the IDF stated that in another incident on Saturday, it struck individuals returning to suspected Hezbollah facilities in southern Lebanon.
Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency has made claims of various hostile actions by Israeli forces that are still active in southern Lebanon post the cease-fire. On Nov. 28, the Lebanese state media agency reported that Israeli forces conducted artillery strikes targeting the southeast Lebanese village of Halta. Furthermore, on Saturday, the Lebanese state media agency reported that Israeli forces attacked the southern Lebanese village of Aitaroun, using tanks to destroy multiple cars and bulldozers to damage roads in the area.



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