IDF Ramps Up Strikes Against Hamas, Hezbollah Targets Across Southern Lebanon

Latest Developments

• Strikes Against Hezbollah Targets: The IDF carried out several air strikes in Lebanon on November 19 after issuing evacuation warnings to civilians in the areas earmarked for attack. Israel said it was targeting Hezbollah infrastructure, striking regions near the southern villages of Deir Kifa, Shehour, and Deir Qanoun an-Naher, before carrying out further strikes in Ainata and the Tayr Felsay municipality. In tandem with the strikes, IDF spokesperson Lt. Col. Avichay Adraee announced that the Israeli air force eliminated a Hezbollah saboteur in the Tayri region who was “involved in attempts to restore the readiness” of the Iran-backed terrorist group.
• Other Recent Strikes: The IDF eliminated two Hezbollah terrorists in the areas of Bint Jbeil and Blida in southern Lebanon on November 18, accusing the two individuals of being “saboteurs” involved in rebuilding Hezbollah’s terror capabilities and gathering intelligence on Israeli forces in the area. The increase in strikes comes as the United States is reportedly intensifying pressure on the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) to achieve better results in its declared mission to disarm Hezbollah and other paramilitaries in Lebanon. The U.S.  cancelled a planned trip to Washington by LAF commander Gen. Rudolph Haikal this week after a post by the military’s social media account referred to Israel as the “enemy,” blaming Jerusalem for escalating military action to combat Hezbollah.
• Israel Strikes Hamas Compound: In addition to its strikes against Hezbollah targets, the Israeli air force struck a Hamas training compound in the Ein al-Hilweh area in southern Lebanon. Thirteen people were killed in the strike, according to local officials, while Hamas operatives in the area reportedly prevented local journalists from reaching the scene. The IDF later published evidence of the compound’s role as a Hamas facility, posting a Hamas flyer inviting “youth” to join the terrorist organization.

FDD Expert Response

“As Israel reduces the intensity of its campaign against Hamas in Gaza, maintaining security on its northern border remains an ongoing issue. The continuous reports of Hezbollah’s attempts to rebuild in southern Lebanon prove that. And while the LAF has been claiming progress on its goals of disarming Hezbollah, that progress has been too slow, whether it’s due to a lack of capability or a lack of motivation. Israel knows that it cannot risk the security of its northern border even as it focuses on other fronts.” — Justin Leopold-Cohen, Senior Research Analyst

“Although Hamas’s Lebanon branch failed to deliver any meaningful results during the war in Gaza, the group shows no sign of abandoning its foothold under the auspices of Hezbollah. The Israeli strike in Ein al-Hilweh against the group underscores that persistence. Israel, for its part, is likely to maintain scrutiny of Hamas’s activities in Lebanon and will act when necessary to blunt the group’s efforts to rebuild and expand its military presence along the northern front.” — Joe Truzman, Senior Research Analyst and Editor at FDD’s Long War Journal

FDD Background and Analysis

“Hezbollah Attempting To Smuggle Weapons Through Syria, Rebuild in South Lebanon, IDF Says,” FDD Flash Brief

“Israeli operations in Lebanon against Hezbollah: November 3–9, 2025,” by David Daoud

“Israel Strikes Hezbollah Targets in Lebanon as Terrorist Group Warns Against Direct Negotiations With Jerusalem,” FDD Flash Brief

“Syrian President Commits to Defeating ISIS, Sidesteps Peace with Israel During White House Meeting,” FDD Flash Brief