Israeli Strikes Target Hezbollah in Lebanon – February 2026

Recent Israeli military operations have focused on striking Hezbollah targets in Lebanon, escalating tensions in the region. These strikes, occurring throughout February 2026, aim to degrade Hezbollah’s military capabilities and address ongoing security concerns.

Recent Israeli Operations

On February 26, 2026, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported striking “eight Hizbollah Radwan Force military compounds in the Baalbeck area” as reported by the Times of Israel. These compounds were allegedly used for storing weapons, training militants, and planning attacks against IDF troops and civilians.

Earlier in the week, between February 16 and February 22, 2026, the IDF conducted numerous operations throughout Lebanon against Hezbollah according to the Foundation for Defense of Democracies. These activities primarily focused on policing and targeting Hezbollah infrastructure.

Eastern Lebanon Strikes and Casualties

On February 21, 2026, Israeli airstrikes in eastern Lebanon resulted in the deaths of eight Hezbollah members, including three local officials as reported by the Associated Press. The strikes occurred near the village of Rayak. The Lebanese Health Ministry reported a death toll of 10, but did not differentiate between militants and civilians.

Ceasefire Violations and Disarmament Efforts

The IDF stated that the existence of Hezbollah sites targeted in the strikes constitutes a violation of a ceasefire deal between Israel and Lebanon according to the Times of Israel. The IDF has pledged to continue operations to remove any threat against the State of Israel.

The Lebanese army has set a four-month window to disarm Hezbollah north of the Litani River, despite skepticism regarding the group’s estimated 25,000 rockets as reported by the Jerusalem Post.

Background

Hezbollah began attacking Israel on October 8, 2023, following the Hamas invasion of southern Israel according to the Times of Israel. A truce brokered by the US in November 2024 followed over a year of conflict along the border, including a two-month period of open conflict and an IDF ground operation in southern Lebanon aimed at enabling the return of displaced residents.

The Israeli offensive launched in September 2024 significantly curtailed Hezbollah’s military capabilities according to the Times of Israel.