Hezbollah Fires Rockets at Israeli Troops in Lebanon

Hezbollah launched rockets and drones carrying explosives at Israeli troops in southern Lebanon on Saturday, despite a cease-fire agreement. One missile was intercepted, and the others exploded near soldiers without causing injuries, according to The Times of Israel.

The attacks mark continued violations as both sides exchanged fire. Israeli airstrikes killed seven people in Lebanon after the Israel Defense Forces targeted over 50 Hezbollah sites. The IDF stated on X that Hezbollah was violating cease-fire understandings and that it was operating against threats in accordance with political directives.

The exchanges have persisted since President Trump announced a cease-fire on April 16. Israel resumed actions against Hezbollah after the group fired missiles following the outbreak of war with Iran in February, ending a prior 2024 cease-fire. The IDF has established a military buffer zone south of the Litani River in Lebanon, an area corresponding to previous Israeli occupation from 1986 to 2000.

Israeli officials have restricted gatherings in northern Israel to no more than 1,500 people and canceled the annual Lag B’Omer celebrations on Mount Meron due to security concerns.

Lebanese officials have engaged in direct talks in Washington, the first since 1993. The U.S. Embassy in Beirut posted on X that Lebanon stands at a crossroads and that a direct meeting between President Aoun and Prime Minister Netanyahu, facilitated by President Trump, could secure guarantees on full sovereignty.

“The terrorist organization Hezbollah is once again violating the ceasefire understandings. The IDF continues to operate against threats to the citizens of the State of Israel and IDF forces, in accordance with the directives of the political echelon.”

President Trump called for a meeting between Netanyahu and Aoun at the White House. The two nations have been in a formal state of war since 1948.

Hezbollah, described in sources as an Iran-backed group, has been involved in ongoing attacks with Israel. The recent hostilities follow the February war with Iran, which prompted Israel's response and the establishment of the buffer zone. The cease-fire remains fragile, with both sides trading blows. Diplomatic talks aim to address sovereignty and security issues.