Several Lebanese soldiers, including an officer, were killed in an Israeli airstrike in southern Lebanon, Lebanese authorities said on Saturday, in an incident that underscores the fragility of a recently announced ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon.
Lebanon’s National News Agency reported that an Israeli aircraft struck a Lebanese Army vehicle on the Khardali-Nabatieh road in southern Lebanon. The Lebanese military confirmed the attack but did not immediately disclose the number of soldiers killed.
The army said the vehicle was carrying military personnel when it was targeted. No immediate comment was issued by the Israeli military regarding the reported strike.
The incident comes days after the United States announced that Israel and Lebanon had reached a ceasefire agreement aimed at reducing hostilities along the border after months of escalating violence. The agreement was intended to halt military operations and create conditions for broader diplomatic efforts to stabilize the region.
However, the truce has already come under strain, with both sides accusing each other of violations. Hezbollah has questioned the effectiveness of the agreement, while Lebanese officials have reported continued Israeli military activity in parts of southern Lebanon despite the ceasefire announcement.
Fighting between Israel and Hezbollah intensified after the Iran-backed group launched attacks in support of Tehran during the recent regional conflict. In response, Israeli forces expanded military operations in southern Lebanon, carrying out airstrikes against what they described as Hezbollah positions and infrastructure.
The violence has caused significant casualties and damage across southern Lebanon, forcing thousands of civilians from their homes and placing additional pressure on the country’s already fragile economy and public services. International organizations have repeatedly warned of worsening humanitarian conditions in areas affected by the conflict.
The Lebanese Army has sought to maintain its presence in the south and prevent further escalation, but military personnel have increasingly found themselves operating in areas exposed to cross-border hostilities. Previous clashes and strikes have also resulted in casualties among Lebanese security forces.
The latest strike comes amid growing international efforts to preserve the ceasefire and prevent a broader regional conflict. The United States, France and the United Nations have called on all parties to respect the agreement and avoid actions that could undermine stability along the Israel-Lebanon border.
