Israel says it has struck Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon

The Israeli military has attacked Hezbollah military infrastructure in southern Lebanon, it said on Sunday, as it continues to hit targets in the neighbouring country more than nine months after a ceasefire with the Iranian-backed group was reached.

The latest attacks also targeted underground positions near Beaufort Castle, a Crusader fortress known locally as Qal’at al-Shaqif to the south-east of Arnoun, after Israel detected “military activity” in the area, it said in a statement.

“The existence of the site and the activity within it constitute a violation of the understandings between Israel and Lebanon,” the military said in justifying the strikes.

The Lebanese state-run National News Agency (NNA) reported two airstrikes near the city of Nabatiyeh.

While there were initially no reports of casualties, residents detailed hearing massive explosions during the attacks.

The strikes come amid heightened tensions along the Israeli-Lebanese border despite the ceasefire agreement brokered on November 27 of last year between Israel and Hezbollah, which aimed to halt over a year of hostilities, including two months of intense fighting that left the pro-Iranian movement weakened.

Under the terms of that agreement, Hezbollah was to withdraw its fighters north of the Litani River – roughly 30 kilometres from the Israeli border – leaving security in the southern region to the Lebanese Army and UN peacekeepers.

In return, Israel was expected to fully withdraw its troops from Lebanese territory.

However, Israel has maintained a presence in five locations it considers strategically vital.

Beaufort Castle is located just north of the river, but close to the Israeli border.