At least 10 Israeli strikes hit southern Lebanon after declared ceasefire, IDF says it retains full freedom of action

Israeli military operations in southern Lebanon continued with intensity on Friday afternoon, despite reports of a ceasefire scheduled for 16:00. According to Lebanese reports and material reviewed by The Zioneer Intelligence Desk, the IAF struck targets in at least 11 different locations after the deadline, including Nabatieh al-Fawqa, Kfar Tibnit, and Adshit. The strikes follow a day of heavy activity in which the IDF carried out over 150 strikes since midnight in response to prior Hezbollah violations.

Operational Freedom and Ongoing Demolitions

IDF Spokesman Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin clarified the military's stance on Friday evening, emphasizing that the ceasefire does not restrict the removal of immediate threats. Defrin confirmed that IDF troops are continuing critical engineering operations in the Beaufort Castle area and along the Ali Taher ridge. These operations are focused on the destruction of major Hezbollah tunnel networks that have served as command and control centers for the terror group.

Hezbollah Violations and Strategic Intent

The IDF has explicitly accused Hezbollah of being the party violating the ceasefire. According to Defrin, Hezbollah operatives have attempted to obstruct the IDF's demolition work in a defensive effort to preserve military capabilities built up over many years. "There are no restrictions when it comes to removing threats," Defrin stated, adding that Israeli forces remain authorized to eliminate threats wherever necessary. This development follows a pattern of instability in the sector; as of late June 2026, the fragile ceasefire has faced repeated collapses due to Hezbollah attacks, including a lethal drone strike on an IDF battalion commander earlier this month.

Analysis and Outlook

The continued strikes and the IDF's insistence on "full freedom of action" suggest that Israel will not allow the ceasefire to serve as a shield for Hezbollah to reorganize or protect its remaining strategic assets south of the Litani River. While Lebanese channels claim the strikes constitute a violation of the 16:00 deadline, the Israeli defense establishment maintains that defensive and preemptive actions against active threats remain within the scope of its security mandate. The situation remains developing as both sides test the limits of the current arrangement.