[92020] A Tense Weekend: A Wave of Attacks in Lebanon and Iranian Threats, Alongside a Ceasefire Directive

A Weekend of Escalation and Policy Change in Lebanon

Following a stormy weekend that included intense fighting on the northern front, the political echelon ordered the IDF to cease fire in Lebanon, without withdrawing from the territory in the south of the country, reports News 8200. The decision to stop the fire came following an exceptional wave of Air Force strikes, which included, according to reports, an attack on over 300 targets deep inside and in southern Lebanon, in response to dozens of launches toward IDF forces.

Alongside the military activity, heavy casualties were reported in Lebanon. Abu Ali Express reports that since midnight and until Saturday, dozens of targets were attacked, including in the Nabatieh and Tyre districts, while other reports, such as Israel News Without Censorship, note that the Lebanese death toll may reach dozens. The Lebanese Army confirmed that a soldier was killed in an Israeli strike in the Nabatieh area, as published by NTD Hebrew News.

On the Iranian side and among its proxies, sharp threats were heard. Sources close to the "Axis of Resistance" threatened that Iranian missiles would be launched toward Israel if the aggression in Lebanon continues, and even declared the closing of the Strait of Hormuz, a threat reported on networks such as News From the Field and ynet. However, reports indicate that diplomatic contacts are expected to resume in Switzerland, with Vice President Vance expected to deal with the nuclear file and the ceasefire issue.

Meanwhile, the fighting continues in the Gaza Strip. Abu Ali Express reports the elimination of Ahmed Washah, a photographer for the Al-Jazeera network, in a strike in the Al-Bureij refugee camp. The IDF Spokesperson confirmed that the terrorist eliminated was engaged in sniping activity and operated under journalistic cover, similar to his brother who was eliminated earlier this year.

Finally, Kan 11 notes that regional intelligence identifies a significant upgrade in Naim Qassem's status within Hezbollah, after he became more involved in operational decision-making recently, which indicates the organization's attempt to stabilize its ranks in the post-Nasrallah era.