Mon Dec 22 16:44:33 UTC 2025: Summary:
Tensions remain high between Israel and Lebanon despite a ceasefire agreement brokered in November 2024. Israel continues to conduct strikes in Lebanon, claiming to target Hezbollah operatives, while Lebanon prepares to disarm the group near the Israeli border by the end of 2025 under heavy US pressure. A recent Israeli strike near Sidon killed three people, according to Lebanese sources, while Israel claims to have targeted Hezbollah terrorists. Talks between Lebanese and Israeli representatives continue, facilitated by the UN and other international actors, focusing on a full Israeli withdrawal, prisoner exchange, and the return of displaced Lebanese citizens. Lebanon welcomes international support to replace UNIFIL, which is scheduled to withdraw in 2027. Lebanon states its readiness to restrict the weapons to the state south of the Litani River.
News Article:
Israeli Strike Kills Three in Lebanon as Disarmament Deadline Looms
Beirut, Lebanon – December 22, 2025 – Tensions flared again between Israel and Lebanon today after an Israeli strike near Sidon reportedly killed three people. Lebanese sources attribute the strike to an Israeli drone targeting a vehicle approximately 10 kilometers from the southern coastal city. The Israeli military stated they targeted “several Hezbollah terrorists” in the area.
The incident occurs days before Lebanon’s deadline to disarm Hezbollah south of the Litani River, a commitment made under heavy US pressure following a November 2024 ceasefire agreement that aimed to end more than a year of hostilities. Despite the ceasefire, Israel has continued to conduct regular strikes in Lebanon, alleging it is targeting Hezbollah, which it accuses of rearming.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun reiterated the country’s commitment to negotiations with Israel, emphasizing the goals of achieving a complete Israeli withdrawal, securing the release of Lebanese prisoners, and facilitating the return of displaced residents. He also highlighted Lebanon’s desire for continued international security assistance to replace UNIFIL peacekeepers, whose mandate is set to expire in 2027. Italy has expressed its commitment to continue supporting the Lebanese armed forces.
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said that the first phase of restricting weapons to the state south of the Litani River was “days away from completion”.
More than 340 people have died as a result of Israeli fire since the ceasfire.
The fragile situation underscores the ongoing challenges in achieving lasting peace and stability along the Lebanese-Israeli border.
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