Israel Restricts Return to South Lebanon Villages Amid Truce, Strikes Hezbollah Targets, Claims Control of 5% of Lebanese Territory

Israel launches airstrikes on Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon following rocket fire toward Israel April 25, 2026 — Israel carried out a series of airstrikes on Hezbollah military sites in southern Lebanon on Friday, in retaliation for rocket fire launched from the area toward the Israeli town of Shatula, according to Israeli military officials. The Israeli military spokesperson, Elia Wawaya, confirmed the strikes targeted military buildings used by Hezbollah in the areas of Khirbet Salim and Toulain, stating they were employed to plan and execute attacks classified as terrorist acts against Israeli forces and the state of Israel. “The Israeli military launched strikes on military buildings belonging to Hezbollah in southern Lebanon,” Wawaya said in a statement on X. “These strikes came in response to the rocket fire launched by Hezbollah toward the Shatula area on Thursday.” She emphasized that the military will continue to act decisively against threats directed at Israeli citizens and its forces, operating under directives from the political leadership. The airstrikes followed an announcement by U.S. President Donald Trump that he would extend the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon by three weeks. Earlier, Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee stated that the Israeli military conducted a strike shortly before on military buildings in the town of Aytaroun, which Hezbollah had used to plan attacks against Israeli forces and the state of Israel. He reiterated that the military will continue to act firmly against threats to Israeli citizens and its forces, in accordance with political guidance. Adraee had previously issued an urgent warning to residents of Aytaroun, urging them to evacuate their homes immediately and move at least 1,000 meters away from the town, citing Hezbollah activity and rocket launches from within the area. He clarified that the Israeli military does not intend to harm civilians and called on residents to take necessary safety precautions, a step taken prior to carrying out the strike in the region.