A video clip from a Telegram channel on March 16th showing the aftermath of what seemed to be an IDF strike on a target in Southern lebanon (Source: Telegram - @lebanontoday)
Video snippet of an explosion along Lebanon's border with Israel (telegram)

IDF Strikes Hezbollah Command Center After Attack on Israeli Town

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The Judean Staff
National

In a dramatic escalation, the Israeli Air Force (IAF) carried out one of its most extensive airstrikes in Lebanon since the ceasefire began over two months ago. The strikes, which targeted a Hezbollah command center and multiple military installations, came in response to an alarming breach of Israeli sovereignty—when a gunshot fired from Lebanese territory struck a civilian vehicle in the northern Israeli town of Avivim.

A Dangerous Provocation: Gunfire from Lebanon Strikes Avivim

Early Sunday, a gunshot hit a parked car in Avivim, miraculously sparing the driver from injury but sending shockwaves through the local community. This act of aggression, reportedly originating from a Hezbollah funeral in the nearby Lebanese town of Maroun a-Ras, marked yet another blatant violation of the ceasefire terms.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) swiftly condemned the attack, issuing a stark warning: “Any fire toward Israel from Lebanese territory constitutes a blatant violation of the understandings between Israel and Lebanon.”

According to Army Radio, military sources confirmed that the shooting occurred during a funeral procession for fallen Hezbollah operatives. The incident took place near one of the IDF’s newly established outposts inside Lebanese territory—a strategic measure aimed at preventing Hezbollah from re-entrenching itself near the border.

Community Outrage: Avivim Residents Demand Security

The attack has reignited anger among residents of Avivim, many of whom are only now returning to their war-ravaged homes after months of relentless Hezbollah aggression. In a bold act of protest, furious locals welded shut the entrance gates of their community, signaling their utter frustration with what they perceive as government inaction.

Amit Sofer, head of the local council, issued a scathing rebuke: “This is a red flag that cannot be ignored. The risk to lives is real.”

Sofer further emphasized the untenable security situation: “I don’t understand how anyone can tell Avivim’s residents to return home when there’s no buffer zone to protect them. Now, with Hezbollah operatives back in the villages, it’s a complete Wild West.”

Israel Strikes Back: Devastating Attacks on Hezbollah Infrastructure

In response to the brazen violation, the IDF wasted no time in launching a series of punishing airstrikes on Hezbollah positions inside Lebanon. The first wave of attacks targeted sites in the nearby Lebanese village of Einata. However, the Israeli response did not end there.

Later in the evening, the IDF confirmed it had conducted a precision strike on a critical Hezbollah command and control center belonging to the notorious Radwan Force—the terror group’s elite unit responsible for executing cross-border incursions into Israel with the goal of capturing parts of the Galilee.

Simultaneously, multiple Hezbollah-affiliated structures in southern Lebanon were obliterated, and reports from Lebanon indicated that IDF helicopters had also struck a high-value target in the town of Yaroun.

The IDF issued a firm statement, reinforcing its unwavering commitment to national security: “The presence of these terrorist infrastructure sites constitutes a blatant violation of the understandings between Israel and Lebanon. The IDF will not allow this kind of activity and will act against it.”

The military further reiterated its stance: “The IDF will strike armed terrorists in southern Lebanon and will operate in order to remove any threat to the State of Israel.”

Ceasefire Erosion: Hezbollah Continues to Violate Agreements

Under the terms of the ceasefire, Hezbollah is required to vacate all positions south of the Litani River. However, reality on the ground tells a different story. Israeli forces have intercepted and dismantled multiple ceasefire violations in recent months, exposing Hezbollah’s continued presence and military buildup in the area.

Military correspondent Doron Kadosh of Army Radio underscored the gravity of the situation: “Any presence of armed forces in southern Lebanon who are not from the Lebanese Army or UNIFIL is prohibited. It does not matter whether the shooting was directed at Israeli territory or was a shot in the air—the mere presence of armed forces at such a funeral, which is affiliated with Hezbollah, is a violation of the ceasefire agreement.”

Defense Minister: Israel Will Not Tolerate Threats to the North

Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a stern response, dismissing Hezbollah's claims that the gunfire was an accidental stray bullet from the funeral: “The claim that this was a stray bullet from a funeral for a Hezbollah operative held in a nearby village is completely unacceptable.”

Katz emphasized Israel’s unwavering stance: “We will not allow the reality of firing on the residents of the north for any reason and will respond to any violation of the ceasefire. Any threat and harm to the security of the residents of the north will be met with a severe response.”

With tensions once again reaching a boiling point, the question remains: Will Hezbollah heed Israel’s warnings, or is the region on the precipice of another large-scale conflict? One thing is certain—Israel is prepared to act decisively to protect its citizens.

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