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Israeli Strikes on Feb 21 Kill Dozens in Lebanon, Prompt Political Fallout

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Deadly Airstrikes Hit Bekaa Valley and Ain al‑Helweh on Feb 21 Israeli airstrikes on Friday night struck the Bekaa Valley and the Ain al‑Helweh Palestinian refugee camp, killing ten people according to Lebanese officials and a total of twelve civilians—including two camp residents—reported by the health ministry [1][2]. The attacks occurred despite the November 2024 cease‑fire that ended the previous war. Israeli military statements said the raids targeted “command centres” of Hezbollah and Hamas.

Hezbollah and Hamas Commanders Listed Among the Fatalities Hezbollah confirmed six of its fighters dead, among them a senior field commander, while a Hezbollah source cited by Le Monde said eight of its members were killed [1][2]. Israel maintained that the strikes were aimed at Hezbollah and Hamas leadership structures. Hamas officials reported two of their members killed in the Ain al‑Helweh raid.

Lebanese President and Prime Minister Label Attacks Cease‑Fire Breaches President Joseph Aoun condemned the bombings as “flagrant aggression” and demanded an end to Israeli hostilities [1]. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam called the incidents a “one‑sided war of attrition” and urged the international community to pressure Israel [2]. Hezbollah argues the cease‑fire applies only to southern Lebanon, not the Bekaa region.

Hezbollah Deputy Calls for Monitoring Halt; Disarmament Phase Two Extended Hezbollah deputy Rami Abou Hamdane urged suspension of the cease‑fire monitoring committee until Israel stops its attacks [1]. The Lebanese cabinet set a renewable four‑month window to implement the second phase of its plan to disarm Hezbollah. AFP data cited by Le Monde count more than 370 Lebanese fatalities since the cease‑fire began [1].

Sources

Timeline

Nov 2024: A cease‑fire ends the 13‑month war between Israel and Hezbollah, establishing a truce that later becomes contested as Israel continues near‑daily strikes on Lebanese territory[1].

Dec 22, 2025: An Israeli drone strike hits a vehicle 10 km from Sidon, killing three people; Israel says it targeted Hezbollah operatives, while Lebanon pushes to complete the first phase of Hezbollah disarmament south of the Litani River by year‑end and the cease‑fire monitoring committee meets to discuss hostilities[6].

Dec 25, 2025: Israeli strikes kill two in Hawsh al‑Sayyed Ali (Hermel district) and one on the Jadra‑Siblin road, wounding five; a wounded General Security member later dies, and a Lebanese army soldier is also killed, underscoring the toll as Israel maintains troops in five southern areas despite the November 2024 cease‑fire, while Lebanon aims to finish disarming Hezbollah in the south by the end of 2025[5].

Jan 5, 2026: Israel launches airstrikes on four villages—Kfar Hatta, Annan, Al‑Manara and Ain al‑Tineh—after posting evacuation warnings; the Al‑Manara strike destroys a house and damages nearby structures, civilians flee, and a cease‑fire monitoring committee comprising the US, France, Lebanon, Israel and the UN is scheduled to meet later that week as Lebanon continues its plan to disarm Hezbollah south of the Litani River by year‑end[4].

Jan 5‑6, 2026: Israel conducts a series of strikes across southern and eastern Lebanon, claiming hits on Hezbollah and Hamas infrastructure; President Joseph Aoun condemns the attacks as undermining de‑escalation efforts, while an early‑morning strike in Ghazieh destroys a building; the cease‑fire monitoring committee meets on Wednesday and Lebanon’s cabinet prepares to review the army’s progress on the US‑backed disarmament plan[3].

Jan 6, 2026: Israeli airstrikes hit Sidon, leveling a three‑story commercial building, and target two Bekaa Valley villages after pre‑strike warnings posted by IDF spokesman Avichay Adraee; Lebanon’s army commander is set to brief the government on the disarmament mission, and the Lebanese army has begun disarming Palestinian factions with a goal to clear the south Litani area of Hezbollah by the end of 2025[2].

Feb 21, 2026: Israeli air strikes in the Bekaa Valley kill ten people, including six Hezbollah fighters and a senior field commander; Hezbollah argues the cease‑fire only covers southern Lebanon, while Prime Minister Nawaf Salam calls the attacks a “one‑sided war of attrition” and urges international pressure on Israel[1].

Feb 21, 2026: President Joseph Aoun denounces the same raids as “flagrant aggression,” citing twelve civilian deaths (ten in the Bekaa and two in Ain El‑Héloué refugee camp); Israel says it hit Hezbollah and Hamas command centres, bringing the cumulative death toll since the cease‑fire to over 370; Hezbollah deputy Rami Abou Hamdane demands suspension of the monitoring committee until attacks stop, and the Lebanese cabinet announces a renewable four‑month window to implement phase two of Hezbollah disarmament[7].

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