Two people were killed in separate Israeli drone strikes in southern Lebanon, according to Lebanon’s Health Ministry. Israel claimed that both victims were members of Hezbollah.
The first strike targeted a vehicle on a road between the border villages of Aita ash-Shaab and Rmeish. The second attack hit a car south of Sidon earlier in the day. The Lebanese Health Ministry reported that one person died in the Sidon strike, which sent thick black smoke into the air as fire crews worked to extinguish the flames.
Israel’s military stated that the strike in Sidon specifically eliminated Muhammad Jaafar Mannah Asaad Abdallah, whom they described as a terrorist responsible for managing Hezbollah’s communication systems across Lebanon. The military also confirmed another strike that killed a Hezbollah member in the Aita al-Shaab area.
Despite a ceasefire agreement reached last November, which aimed to end over a year of conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, Israeli attacks have continued almost daily. The United Nations reported that at least 71 civilians have died from Israeli strikes in Lebanon since the ceasefire, including women and children. UN officials have called for thorough investigations into these incidents.
Hezbollah has claimed it is adhering to the ceasefire, even as Israeli strikes persist. The group’s leadership has firmly rejected any attempts to disarm them, stating they will not allow anyone to take away their weapons. They argue that discussions about disarmament should only happen after Israel withdraws completely from southern Lebanon and stops its military actions.
Lebanon’s army has been increasing its presence in southern regions where Israeli forces have retreated. President Joseph Aoun mentioned that the army is actively dismantling tunnels and confiscating weapons in the area. However, Hezbollah leaders have maintained their stance against disarmament, insisting that their arms are essential for Lebanon’s defense.