Three Killed in Israeli Strike in Lebanon, One a Soldier

In southern Lebanon, three individuals were killed in an Israeli airstrike targeting a vehicle, among whom was a Lebanese soldier, the army announced on Tuesday. This statement contradicted Israeli claims suggesting he was also a "Hezbollah" militant, as reported by AFP.

It has been reported that Israel continues to carry out regular strikes against Lebanon, asserting that its target is "Hezbollah," despite a ceasefire agreement signed in November 2024. The truce aimed to halt more than a year of hostilities with the group, which Israel accuses of rearming.

The Lebanese National News Agency (NNA) reported that an Israeli drone struck a vehicle approximately 10 kilometers from the coastal city of Saida, resulting in the deaths of three individuals inside.

The Lebanese army stated on Tuesday that Senior Sergeant Ali Abdul was killed the previous day due to the Israeli airstrike near Saida.

Meanwhile, the Israeli army claimed in a statement that three "Hezbollah" militants were killed in the strike, adding that one of the deceased was also affiliated with a Lebanese intelligence unit.

A representative from the Lebanese army told AFP that this assertion is false and that the soldier was not a member of "Hezbollah," labeling the Israeli declaration as a pretext to justify the attack.

Under strong U.S. pressure and concerns over the escalation of Israeli strikes, Lebanon has committed to disarming "Hezbollah," starting from the south. The Lebanese army plans to complete the disarmament of the group in areas south of the Litani River by the end of the year, located approximately 30 kilometers from the Israeli border.