Nabatieh Massacre – Israel Hits Government Site as Resistance Expands
Israeli attacks intensify across Lebanon as resistance expands operations and Iran warns continued aggression will draw painful consequences.
Key Developments
- Israeli strike on Nabatieh government complex kills 13 State Security personnel and expands attacks on official institutions.
- Resistance widens rocket and drone operations, striking settlements, military bases, and troop concentrations across northern occupied Palestine.
- Iran warns continued attacks on Lebanon will trigger a “painful” response and links escalation to a broader regional confrontation.
Nabatieh Strike
Israel escalated its attacks on Lebanon with a direct strike on the government complex in Nabatieh, killing 13 members of the State Security apparatus and injuring others.
The strike hit an official Lebanese institution, marking a significant expansion in the scope of Israeli targeting.
The attack came alongside a broader wave of air raids, artillery shelling, and demolition operations across southern Lebanon.
Strikes targeted Deir al-Zahrani, Kfarreman, Qaqaiyat al-Jisr, Srifa, and Bint Jbeil, while additional attacks hit Douris and Sahmar in the Bekaa, where further casualties were reported.
Israeli forces also struck a newly established Civil Defense point in Siddiqin, and hit roads and infrastructure in the Tyre district, including routes linking Deir Qanoun Ras al-Ain and al-Housh.
Sustained Aggression
Israeli attacks have continued despite a ceasefire understanding between Iran and the United States, which Tehran says explicitly included Lebanon.
Iranian officials have repeatedly stressed that Lebanon was a central component of the agreement, a position also reflected in announcements linked to Pakistani mediation.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reiterated that the ceasefire arrangement covered Lebanon and called on Washington to uphold its commitments.
He condemned the Israeli attacks and reaffirmed Iran’s full support for the Lebanese resistance.
Confusion over a possible ceasefire timing added to the uncertainty, prompting the Lebanese Parliament presidency to deny reports attributing a statement to Speaker Nabih Berri about a specific start time for a halt in fighting.
Resistance Expands Operations
As Israeli attacks intensified, the Lebanese resistance expanded both the scale and geographic reach of its operations.
Strikes targeted settlements, military positions, troop concentrations, and infrastructure across northern Israel.
The resistance confirmed that operations will continue until Israeli-American aggression against Lebanon and its people stops.
Key operations include:
- Repeated rocket barrages targeting Kiryat Shmona, including multiple strikes throughout the day.
- Rocket fire on Dovev, Maskaf Am, Metula, Nahariya, Yir’on, and Karmiel.
- Strikes on the Ghajar military site with rocket fire.
- A direct drone strike on a Merkava tank southeast of the Khiam detention center, achieving a direct hit.
- Rocket attacks on Israeli troop concentrations in Khiam, Wati al-Khiam, and near Madrasat al-Ishraq in Bint Jbeil, including repeated strikes.
- Drone strikes targeting troop gatherings in Rashaf, Marj site courtyard, Branit barracks, and Talat al-Oweida in Odaisseh.
- Combined drone and rocket operations targeting Shlomi.
- Drone swarms targeting Kiryat Shmona barracks and Beit Hillel base.
- A strike on Shraga base, the administrative headquarters of the Golani Brigade north of occupied Akka.
- reported strike on an Israeli naval base approximately 160 kilometers from the border, indicating expanded operational reach.
Israeli media reported widespread sirens across northern settlements, including Nahariya, Bar’am, and the western Galilee, alongside reports of rocket impacts and concerns over drone infiltration.
Additional reports indicated that an Israeli officer from the Givati Brigade was injured during clashes in southern Lebanon.
Iran Raises the Stakes
Iran issued a direct and forceful warning as the situation escalated.
The Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters said Iranian armed forces remain on maximum alert and “with their hands on the trigger,” warning that continued Israeli attacks—particularly on Beirut’s southern suburbs—will be met with a “crushing and painful” response.
The statement stressed the unity of the resistance front and warned US and Israeli leaders against further escalation.
It also referenced the outcome of the recent 40-day war, describing it as a defeat for US and Israeli forces, achieved through domestically developed weapons and coordinated resistance operations.
Iran further signaled a potential shift in its management of the Strait of Hormuz, emphasizing that it would maintain control and not relinquish its strategic position.
The Iranian Supreme National Security Council reinforced this narrative, declaring that Iran and its allied fronts in Lebanon, Iraq, Yemen, and occupied Palestine achieved a “great victory” after US and Israeli forces failed to meet their objectives.
‘No Talks Without Lebanon’: What We Know so Far about US–Iran Ceasefire Talks
Diplomacy and Regional Signals
The escalation is unfolding alongside active diplomatic movement.
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam is expected to meet UN Secretary-General António Guterres in New York before traveling to Washington.
Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri held discussions with Iraqi counterpart Haybat al-Halbousi, who reaffirmed Iraq’s support for Lebanon in confronting the consequences of Israeli attacks, including the displacement crisis.
International pressure is also mounting.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez called for suspending the EU agreement with Israel and warned against allowing “a Gaza scenario” in Lebanon.
At the same time, Israeli positions suggest resistance to expanding diplomatic engagement, including opposition to French participation in direct negotiations with Lebanon.
(PC, Al Mayadeen, Israeli Media, Military Media)