Hezbollah Claims Right to Defend Lebanon as Israeli Strikes Continue

Hezbollah has claimed the right to defend Lebanon against what it described as ongoing Israeli violations of a ceasefire agreement, as Israeli military strikes on the country's south showed no sign of abating.

The Lebanese militant group issued a statement saying that it was closely monitoring ceasefire breaches and that, as Lebanon was its homeland, defending the country and its people was its right. It added that the enemy was continuing to violate the ceasefire and that it would not remain silent in the face of such actions.

Israeli fighter jets, missiles and drones have been conducting sustained strikes across southern Lebanon. On Sunday, residential buildings in the southern city of Nabatieh and the nearby town of Mayfadoun were targeted. Drone attacks were also carried out in the town of Farun and open areas of the Bint Jbeil district, while residential buildings in Taybeh and Hadatha were struck.

In a separate operation, the Israeli military destroyed an underground Hezbollah facility in the village of Majdal Zoun. The tunnel was reported to be approximately 200 metres in length and more than 25 metres deep. Israeli officials said the site had been used to store, assemble and launch Iranian-made drones. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz said the United States had been informed of the operation before it was carried out.

Netanyahu has made clear in recent days that Israeli forces would remain deployed not only in Lebanon but also in Gaza and Syria for as long as deemed necessary, reiterating the position at a graduation ceremony for combat officers.