Israeli army demolishes several homes in south Lebanon, claims 'two-month' mission against Hezbollah complete

SOUTH LEBANON — The Israeli army carried out multiple incursions in southern Lebanon overnight from Saturday to Sunday, demolishing houses and business, while announcing the completion of a “two-month” mission aimed at fighting Hezbollah presence.

Around 11 p.m. Saturday, troops entered the town of Odaisseh (Marjayoun district), where they blew up a house and a blacksmith’s workshop used daily by a local craftsman, according to our regional correspondent. Around midnight, another Israeli troop infiltrated Kfar Kila (Marjayoun) and demolished a building, near which the Lebanese Army had established a fixed outpost in the town's old square. Meanwhile Israeli artillery shelled the outskirts of Kfar Shuba (Hasbaya).

On Sunday, the Israeli army released a statement on X saying: "Our troops have concluded a two-month mission in southern Lebanon to prevent Hezbollah from taking root. They collected intelligence, located enemy infrastructure and supported ground and air forces to dismantle Hezbollah terrorist sites and neutralize its operatives," accompanied by videos of strikes on targets presented as Hezbollah members and equipment.

According to the local channel LBCI, the statement refers to "the multidimensional unit operating under the command of the 91st Division to prevent Hezbollah from establishing a presence in the area."

Since the cease-fire between Israel and Hezbollah on Nov. 24, 2024, the Israeli army has carried out near-daily violations, from bombings to incursions in southern Lebanon, in addition to troops continued occupation of several Lebanese positions.

Meanwhile since September of last year, the Lebanese Army has begun efforts to disarm Hezbollah, which has voiced resistance of relinquishing its weapons.

Hezbollah Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem escalated his rhetoric on Saturday against those advocating for the state’s monopoly on weapons, describing calls for the party’s total disarmament as an “Israeli-American demand.”