IDF Denies Role in Lebanon Blast as Strikes Target Hezbollah Sites

An explosion in southern Lebanon this week was not caused by an Israeli airstrike, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) insisted on Thursday. According to the IDF’s Arabic spokesperson, Col. Avichay Adraee, the blast occurred when a vehicle carrying Hezbollah operatives exploded during an attempted weapons smuggling operation.

Adraee’s statement came in response to what he called “false Lebanese reports” alleging the Israeli Air Force had targeted a car near the village of Toula. Lebanese media outlets initially linked the blast to Israeli activity, but the IDF firmly rejected the claim, saying the incident was self-inflicted by Hezbollah militants handling explosives.

The clarification comes amid heightened tensions along the Israel–Lebanon border, where Israeli forces have intensified operations against Hezbollah. Over recent weeks, Israel has conducted numerous airstrikes on terrorist infrastructure, claiming the targets were linked to ongoing efforts by the militant group to rebuild operational capabilities.

On Thursday morning, the IDF carried out multiple intelligence-driven airstrikes across southern Lebanon. The military said the strikes hit a weapons storage facility and an underground site used by Hezbollah. Both were located near civilian population centers, an issue the IDF highlighted in its public statements.

“These terror infrastructure sites were located near the civilian population,” the IDF said. “This is yet another example of Hezbollah’s cynical use of Lebanese civilians as human shields, operating from within densely populated areas.” The military also confirmed that three Hezbollah operatives were killed in separate strikes earlier in the week.

Hezbollah Threatens Response Amid Rising Pressure

Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem issued a strongly worded response to Israel’s recent activities. In a speech on Tuesday, Qassem warned that Israeli strikes “cannot continue” and insisted the group would not disarm under any circumstances.

“Everything has a limit. We will not give up our weapons,” he declared. Qassem also addressed the recent deployment of the Lebanese army south of the Litani River, framing the move as a victory for Hezbollah rather than a concession. He argued that the arrangement strengthens Lebanon’s national interests and enhances the group’s strategic position.

His remarks came as Hezbollah marked the one-year anniversary of the ceasefire between the militant group and Israel. However, ongoing clashes and targeted strikes have raised concerns about the stability of that ceasefire and the possibility of further escalation.

IDF Maps Hezbollah Reconstruction Efforts

In a separate announcement this week, the IDF’s Intelligence Directorate released findings on Hezbollah’s reconstruction activities across southern Lebanon. The military said the group is aggressively rebuilding its capabilities after suffering significant damage during the past year’s confrontations.

The city of Nabatiya, in particular, has become a focal point for Hezbollah’s efforts to rearm and reorganize. According to the IDF, six confirmed Israeli strikes in the area over the past month point to a focused campaign aimed at dismantling the group’s upper command and logistical network.

Strikes near Tyre further indicate that the IDF is targeting central nodes in Hezbollah’s rebuilding process. Intelligence assessments show that operatives in Tyre are attempting to reconstruct underground systems, bunkers, and fortified positions that would serve as staging points for future attacks.

The IDF also cited recent precision strikes in smaller villages as evidence of its expanded intelligence reach. The military says these operations send a clear message that Hezbollah’s activities are being closely monitored, regardless of location.

Concerns Grow Over Hezbollah Presence in Civilian Areas

Despite the extensive damage caused by repeated IDF strikes, the continued presence of Hezbollah operatives across southern Lebanon remains a concern for Israeli security officials. The Shia population—dominant in the region—has not openly opposed the group’s rebuilding efforts, raising fears that Hezbollah is reestablishing its influence with little internal resistance.

Israeli officials argue that Hezbollah’s ongoing activity, particularly in civilian zones, not only endangers Lebanese residents but also increases the likelihood of future escalation. As the group continues to embed itself within population centers, the risk of civilian casualties grows, complicating Israel’s ability to target infrastructure without broader consequences.

Regional Stability Under Strain

The competing narratives surrounding the Toula explosion have underscored the deep mistrust between Israel and Lebanon’s Hezbollah. While Israel insists the blast was accidental and internally caused, Hezbollah supporters and some Lebanese media outlets have continued to blame Israeli aggression.

With cross-border tensions already running high, such incidents heighten the potential for miscalculation. The ongoing exchange of warnings—paired with Israel’s intensified air campaign—suggests that the fragile ceasefire remains under significant strain.

As both sides continue to maneuver strategically, the region watches closely to see whether the escalation remains contained or risks erupting into a broader conflict.