BEIRUT / ISTANBUL

Israeli aircraft targeted the strategic Tair Falsay (Az-Zrariyah) bridge over the Litani River in southern Lebanon on Friday, damaging the structure that connects several districts in the region, the Lebanese National News Agency (NNA) reported.

The agency said the strike targeted the bridge, also known as the “Feb. 6 Bridge,” describing it as the first state-owned facility to come under Israeli attack, as previous strikes had mainly hit Hezbollah positions and residential homes.

The bridge is considered strategically important because it links the districts of Tyre, Bint Jbeil, Nabatieh, and Zahrani in southern Lebanon, the agency said.

A Lebanese Army checkpoint remains stationed on the bridge despite three Israeli strikes targeting it, while a United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) position lies about 300 meters away (330 yards), as the bridge marks the final connection between areas south of the Litani River and those to the north, the agency added.

The Israeli military said its aircraft targeted the bridge, claiming Hezbollah uses it as a central route for movement between northern and southern Lebanon.

Israel also alleged that Hezbollah deployed rocket launchers near the bridge and used them to fire projectiles toward Israel.

Hezbollah began targeting Israeli military sites on March 2 in response to ongoing Israeli attacks on Lebanon despite a ceasefire that took effect in November 2024 and the killing of Iran’s then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in Tehran.

Israel expanded its military campaign the same day with airstrikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs and areas in southern and eastern Lebanon.

On March 3, Israel also launched a limited ground incursion in southern Lebanon after beginning a joint campaign with the United States against Iran on Feb. 28.

*Writing by Lina Altawell