Israel launched a drone strike in southern Lebanon, targeting an individual deemed a threat to its forces. This action occurred a day after Israel and Lebanon signed a framework agreement to reduce tensions along their border. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) did not disclose details about the target.
The strike reportedly hit the town of Nabatieh al-Fawqa, according to Lebanon's state news agency.
Hezbollah, the Iran-backed militant group, condemned the US-brokered agreement, which was signed in Washington. The group's leader, Naim Qassem, criticized the Lebanese government for what he described as unilateral concessions that undermine Lebanon's sovereignty. He labeled the framework agreement as "humiliating, shameful, and a surrender of sovereignty," declaring it null and void.
The framework agreement includes a provision for Israel to withdraw its forces from the South Litani area, allowing the Lebanese army to take exclusive control of the vacated territory. However, Israeli forces are permitted to remain in an expanded security area up to 10 kilometers (approximately six miles) inside Lebanese territory.
Qassem expressed strong opposition to provisions linking Israel's withdrawal to Hezbollah's disarmament, stating that they crossed "all red lines" and warned of a potential annexation of Lebanese lands.
In response to the escalating situation, Israel's Defence Minister, Israel Katz, announced that Israeli forces had been ordered to prepare for an extended stay in the security zone. The ongoing conflict has resulted in significant casualties, with the Lebanese health ministry reporting at least 4,192 deaths and over 11,600 injuries since hostilities resumed.
Additionally, more than 1.2 million people have been displaced in Lebanon.
On the Israeli side, 36 soldiers and four civilians have been reported killed.
A previous US-brokered ceasefire on April 16 failed to halt the fighting, and while both nations agreed to renew a fragile ceasefire in June, tensions remain high as the US continues to facilitate the establishment of pilot zones for the Lebanese Armed Forces.
