An Israeli drone strike has killed one person in the southern Lebanese town of Ayta al-Shaab, in the Bint Jbeil district, Al Mayadeen’s correspondent reported.

In a related escalation, Israeli occupation forces launched illumination flares over the orchards of al-Wazzani, signaling heightened military activity in the area.

Al Mayadeen’s correspondent also confirmed that an Israeli drone dropped a bomb on the town of Ain Arab, located north of the al-Mari plain, further intensifying the atmosphere of tension across the southern front.

In the evening, Israeli warplanes launched a series of intense strikes targeting al-Mahmoudiah, Berghez, and the outskirts of the Ansar. Strikes were also launched on the hilltops of al-Jbour.

The attacks mark yet another blatant violation of the ceasefire agreement signed on November 27, 2024, reflecting "Israel's" ongoing pattern of aggression and disregard for Lebanese sovereignty. According to monitoring organizations, "Israel" has breached the ceasefire over 3,000 times, resulting in nearly 200 deaths and hundreds of injuries across Lebanon.

Limited US influence?

These repeated violations have not gone unnoticed. Speaking from Beirut's Grand Serail, US Special Envoy Thomas Barrack admitted last week the failure of the current truce, saying: "The ceasefire agreement didn't work." His admission reflects Washington's unwillingness to enforce even the most basic obligations of peace when it comes to Israeli aggression.

On the topic of Hezbollah's armament, Barrack stated that if Hezbollah is not disarmed, there would be no direct consequences or threat, but noted that Washington would be "deeply disappointed".

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Barrack further exposed the limits of US influence over its ally when asked about supposed guarantees. "We have no skin in the game in discussing anything with Israel… We're discussing with the nation state, your government, how we can help," he said, an admission that underscores Washington’s unwillingness to apply pressure on Tel Aviv, even as ceasefire violations mount and civilian casualties rise.

Lebanon finalizes response to US on 'disarmament calls': Exclusive

Lebanese sources told Al Mayadeen on Sunday that Beirut has finalized its remarks on the response concerning the US demands to disarm the Islamic Resistance in Lebanon. The official document is expected to be delivered to US envoy Thomas Barrack on Monday.

According to the sources, Lebanon's response outlines its position on key issues while avoiding any commitments to timelines for the handover of the Resistance's weapons. Despite pressure from Washington to specify deadlines, Lebanese authorities have maintained that such matters remain contingent on further discussions.

Beirut also emphasized its long-standing demand that "Israel" fully implement the ceasefire agreement. The Lebanese remarks also reaffirm calls for a complete halt to Israeli attacks, the withdrawal from occupied territories, and the release of all Lebanese nationals abducted and held by "Israel".

While the US has requested clear timelines regarding demilitarization, Lebanese officials have not committed to any. The sources stated that Lebanon prefers to discuss potential guarantees with the US before determining any deadlines related to disarmament or other security measures.

Hezbollah's arms critical for Lebanon: Sheikh Qassem

It is worth noting that the Islamic Resistance in Lebanon, Hezbollah, categorically rejects disarmament, particularly amid the threat of Israeli occupation and ongoing violations of Lebanese sovereignty. 

Last week, Sheikh Naim Qassem, Hezbollah's Secretary-General, reiterated that "Israel will never be handed our weapons," warning "Israel" that it "will never achieve its objectives as long as we exist." 

He expressed readiness to defend Lebanon if "Israel" launches an attack that they believe calls for their defense, adding, "Those who choose submission may do so, that is their own business, but we will never accept humiliation, especially not after our immense sacrifices and the strength we’ve gained to ensure this outcome."

Furthermore, Sheikh Naim Qassem clarified that the issue is "not about disarming [the Resistance], but rather a step in Israel's expansionist agenda."

He maintained that Hezbollah's weapons stand as an obstacle in "Israel's" way precisely because they've "enabled Lebanon to stand firm and prevented the occupation's encroachment."

Read more: 'Israel' kills mother, father, injures 10-year-old daughter in Lebanon