Israeli aviation struck checkpoint on Syria-Lebanon border
Israel is trying to shut down the arms smuggling from Syria to Lebanon (Illustrative photo: Getty Images)
The Israeli Air Force struck seven checkpoints on the border between Syria and Lebanon. The raid aimed to block the flow of weapons to the Lebanese group Hezbollah in the southern part of the country, reports Reuters.
It is reported that Israeli forces in southern Lebanon also seized a truck carrying a 40-tube rocket launcher. The vehicle was part of a shipment that included explosives, grenade launchers, and AK-47 assault rifles.
Israeli Air Force Commander Major General Tomer Bar stated that Hezbollah is attempting to smuggle weapons into Lebanon to test Israel's ability to stop it.
"This must not be tolerated," he said in a statement.
Fragile truce between Israel and Lebanon
On November 27, a ceasefire agreement came into effect between the Hezbollah group and Israel. The deal was brokered by leaders from the United States, France, and several other countries.
Under the agreement, Israel was required to gradually withdraw its troops from southern Lebanon, while Hezbollah was to dismantle unauthorized military facilities south of the Litani River.
However, the ceasefire has not been fully implemented. Both sides accuse each other of violating the terms of the agreement.
In early December, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Hezbollah of seriously violating the ceasefire.
Subsequently, Israeli forces attacked Islamist military targets in Lebanon.
During subsequent operations throughout December, Israel destroyed a significant portion of Hezbollah's missile stockpiles in southern Lebanon and stated that it would not allow the smuggling of weapons to militants through Syria.
On Thursday, December 26, UN peacekeeping forces in Lebanon urged Israeli troops to withdraw, citing multiple violations of the agreement.
