IDF Attacks in Lebanon Jump 100% as Hezbollah Tries to Recover
January airstrikes doubled from December; two-thirds of attacks targeted Hezbollah recovery efforts north of Litani River
Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon more than doubled in January compared to the previous month, according to data released Monday by the Alma Research and Education Center, which tracks security challenges along Israel's northern border.
The IDF conducted 87 airstrikes in Lebanon during January, averaging nearly three attacks per day, according to the report by researcher Doron Kadosh. The figure represents the highest number of strikes since a cease-fire agreement took effect, more than twice the number recorded in December.
Two-thirds of the strikes targeted areas north of the Litani River and in the Bekaa Valley, indicating that Hezbollah is focusing its recovery and rearmament efforts far from the border, the data shows. Only 35% of strikes occurred south of the Litani.
The strike pattern suggests the militant group is attempting to rebuild its capabilities in areas farther from Israeli surveillance, while maintaining a lower profile closer to the border.
Israeli forces killed 21 terrorists in airstrikes during January, including 20 Hezbollah operatives and one Hamas member, according to the report. Since the cease-fire began, the IDF has killed 252 Hezbollah operatives in total.
The increased tempo of operations reflects what the report characterizes as aggressive enforcement by Israel against what it views as Hezbollah violations and the group's attempts to rebuild strength.
The cease-fire agreement, which took effect in late 2025, has been marked by continued Israeli military activity aimed at preventing Hezbollah from reestablishing positions near the border.