IDF Raids in Southern Lebanon Target Hezbollah Weapon Sites and Infrastructure

IDF Raids in Southern Lebanon Target Hezbollah Weapon Sites and Infrastructure

Emmitt Barry

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed Wednesday that it has conducted a series of targeted ground operations in southern Lebanon aimed at dismantling Hezbollah’s military presence and preventing the Iran-backed terror group from re-establishing infrastructure near the border. The raids, described as “special, targeted operations,” were carried out over the past several days in response to repeated ceasefire violations by Hezbollah.

Israeli ground troops, including reservists from the Oded Brigade and soldiers from the 300th “Baram” Regional Brigade, raided several Hezbollah sites. In the Jabal Blat area–just a kilometer from the Israeli border–IDF forces located and demolished a Hezbollah compound that served as both a weapons depot and a firing position. In a separate raid near Labbouneh, troops discovered a cache of weapons hidden in a wooded area, including a multi-barrel rocket launcher, machine guns, explosives, and a concealed underground storage facility, all of which were destroyed.

The military also announced the targeted killing of Hussein Ali Muzhir, a senior Hezbollah commander responsible for directing rocket fire against Israel from the Zahrani River area under Hezbollah’s Badr regional unit. Muzhir played a central role in efforts to restore Hezbollah’s artillery capabilities in southern Lebanon, the IDF said. His actions were cited as a “blatant violation” of the November 2024 ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon.

That ceasefire required Hezbollah to retreat north of the Litani River and dismantle its military infrastructure in southern Lebanon, while Israel maintained limited military posts near the border and reserved the right to strike threats to its security. While Israeli airstrikes against Hezbollah targets have been frequent, ground raids deep into Lebanon remain rare, making the recent operations significant.

In parallel to the operations in Lebanon, the IDF also intensified its campaign in the Gaza Strip. 

Over the past 24 hours, Israeli forces struck more than 100 terror targets, including Hamas weapons facilities, tunnels, booby-trapped buildings, and anti-tank missile launch sites. Ground troops operating in northern and southern Gaza reported the elimination of several terrorist cells and the discovery of explosive devices hidden in civilian structures.

U.S. envoy Thomas Barrack recently said he was “unbelievably satisfied” with the Lebanese government’s initial efforts to disarm Hezbollah as part of a broader diplomatic process. However, Hezbollah’s deputy leader Naim Qassem stated that the group would not surrender its weapons, casting doubt on the long-term viability of the ceasefire.

Since the November ceasefire, the IDF says it has eliminated over 180 Hezbollah operatives. Israeli officials maintain that their continued presence at five strategic border points is essential to protect nearby communities and prevent the resurgence of Hezbollah’s southern strongholds.