Israeli forces have abducted Atwi Atwi, a senior official in Lebanon’s Al-Jamaa al-Islamiya (The Islamic Group) and former mayor of the southern village of Hibbariyeh, according to confirmations from both the organization and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), heightening tensions amid accusations of ceasefire violations.
According to Lebanon’s National News Agency (NNA), the operation took place at around 4:00 a.m. on Monday in Hibbariyeh, in the Hasbaiyya district near the Lebanese-Israeli border. Lebanese authorities said Israeli special forces, identified as part of the IDF’s 210th “Bashan” Division, infiltrated the village on foot, raided Atwi’s home, assaulted members of his family, and forcibly transferred him across the border into Israel.
The IDF acknowledged carrying out the raid, describing Atwi as a “senior terrorist operative” involved in directing attacks against northern Israel. Israeli military sources said the operation aimed to gather intelligence on the activities of Al-Jamaa al-Islamiya and its armed wing, the Fajr Forces, in Lebanon and Syria.
Al-Jamaa al-Islamiya is a Sunni Islamist organization and the Lebanese branch of the Muslim Brotherhood. Its military wing has been engaged in cross-border hostilities since late 2023.
Ceasefire Under Pressure
Lebanese officials and international observers have described the abduction as a serious breach of the November 2024 ceasefire agreement, which was intended to halt major hostilities along the Lebanese-Israeli border.
Reports from the United Nations and the Norwegian Refugee Council indicate that Israeli forces carried out more than 50 airstrikes in Lebanon during January 2026 alone, despite the truce. Lebanese authorities also allege that Israel is currently holding at least 20 Lebanese citizens, including 10 abducted from Lebanese territory after the ceasefire took effect.
The agreement also called for Israeli forces to withdraw from contested border areas. However, as of February 2026, the IDF is reported to maintain positions at five strategic points inside Lebanese territory.
Deadly Drone Strike in Yanouh
The abduction coincided with an Israeli drone strike in the town of Yanouh, in southern Lebanon’s Tyre district. Lebanese sources said the strike killed three people, including a three-year-old child.
Israel said the strike targeted Ahmad Salami, identified as a Hezbollah artillery official. The IDF acknowledged reports of civilian casualties and said the incident was under review.
International Reaction Pending
As of Monday afternoon, no official statement had been issued by the UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon regarding the abduction or the reported ceasefire violations. Diplomats in Beirut warned that continued cross-border operations could further destabilize the fragile truce.
