Netanyahu says Hezbollah violations are breaking down ceasefire as IDF intercepts drones from Lebanon

Fighting between Israel and Hezbollah continued on Sunday despite the imaginary US brokered ceasefire, after three drones launched from Lebanon were intercepted over northern Israel and the IDF carried out additional strikes in southern Lebanon.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Hezbollah’s repeated violations are breaking down the ceasefire and stressed that Israel will continue to act forcefully under the understandings reached with the United States and Lebanon.

Drones intercepted over the north

Air raid alerts were activated in several communities in the Western Galilee on suspicion of a drone infiltration from Lebanon. The IDF later said three drones that crossed from Lebanese territory were intercepted.

At the same time, reports continued to emerge of Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon, where the military said it was targeting Hezbollah military structures used to advance terror activity.

Netanyahu: Hezbollah violations are dismantling the ceasefire

At the weekly cabinet meeting, Netanyahu rejected any suggestion that Israel was refraining from action in Lebanon.

“There is an impression as though the IDF is not operating there. It is operating, and it is operating with force. It must be understood that Hezbollah’s violations are effectively dismantling the ceasefire,” Netanyahu said.

He added that Israel is acting energetically under the rules agreed with the United States and with Lebanon, including not only responding to attacks but also thwarting immediate threats and preventing developing threats.

IDF issues evacuation warning in southern Lebanon

IDF Arabic-language spokesman Avichay Adraee issued an evacuation warning to residents of Mifdoun, Shuqin, Yohmor, Arnoun, Zawtar al-Gharbiya and Tebnit in southern Lebanon.

According to the warning, Hezbollah’s violations of the ceasefire forced the IDF to act, and residents were told to move at least one kilometer outside the affected areas. The statement warned that anyone near Hezbollah terrorists, weapons or infrastructure was putting their life at risk.

Ceasefire under growing strain

The latest escalation came two days after US President Donald Trump announced a three-week extension of the ceasefire in Lebanon. Despite that extension, the IDF has continued targeted strikes and local evacuation orders, while Hezbollah launched rockets and drones toward the Galilee over the weekend.

Israeli officials and northern local leaders have increasingly warned that the current arrangement is not providing real security for frontline communities.

Northern leaders demand stronger action

Metula council head David Azoulai sharply criticized the government’s handling of the northern front, saying residents are being left exposed while Hezbollah continues to test the ceasefire.

He said northern residents support diplomacy, but only alongside sustained military pressure on Hezbollah, and argued that the current response has failed to restore confidence or normal life.

Mateh Asher Regional Council head Moshe Davidovich also said the reality in the north is unacceptable, describing the ceasefire as illusory and calling on the government to give the IDF full freedom of action to remove the Hezbollah threat from Israeli communities.