The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, that it carried out a wave of airstrikes against multiple Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon. This military action is the latest in an ongoing series of strikes aimed at preventing the Iran-backed group from rebuilding its military infrastructure near the Israeli border, a consistent objective since the ceasefire of November 2024.
Primary Targets of the Airstrikes
The IDF specifically targeted several key assets belonging to the Hezbollah organization, focusing on disrupting the group’s offensive preparations and military readiness:
* Radwan Force Training Facility: The most significant target was a “training and qualification compound” used by Hezbollah’s elite Radwan Force. The military stated this compound was actively utilized to conduct military training and “advance attacks against Israel,” including shooting exercises and drills for the use of various weapons. The Radwan Force is the special operations unit of Hezbollah, whose primary mission is to launch offensive ground attacks into northern Israel.
* Military Infrastructure: The strikes also hit several buildings confirmed to be used by Hezbollah operatives for military purposes.
* Rocket Launch Site: A rocket-launching site in southern Lebanon was also targeted, eliminating a potential threat of cross-border fire.
Violation of Understandings and Ongoing Deterrence
In its official statement, the IDF asserted that the targeted activities constitute a “violation of the understandings between Israel and Lebanon and a threat to the State of Israel.” This language confirms that Israel views any effort by Hezbollah to re-establish military infrastructure or conduct offensive training south of the Litani River as a violation of the terms of the ceasefire agreement.
The strikes fit into a broader, sustained effort by the IDF to degrade Hezbollah’s capabilities and force its elite fighting units away from the border. Although the Radwan Force’s ability to execute a large-scale invasion of the Galilee has been significantly reduced since the 2024 conflict, the unit is still capable of launching smaller-scale, high-quality operations (such as sniping, anti-tank fire, or explosive drone attacks) along the border.
The ongoing airstrikes signal that the Israeli government remains committed to using military force to prevent Hezbollah from restoring its military infrastructure near the border, regardless of the political negotiations or the US-backed diplomatic efforts to stabilize the situation. The strikes are viewed as a necessary form of deterrence to ensure the safe return of Israeli civilians who evacuated the northern communities during the conflict.
