The Israeli military reported that two soldiers died and four were seriously injured during an operation in southern Lebanon on Wednesday. According to internal reports, the casualties occurred when an explosive device detonated while troops entered a building in the town of Majdal Zoun. This marks the first Israeli military death toll in the region since June 28.
In response to the incident, Israeli forces launched a series of air and artillery strikes across several towns in the Tyre district. The Lebanese health ministry confirmed that at least one person died and twelve others sustained injuries in a strike on the town of Tibnin. Additional strikes targeted Burj al-Shamali and Mansouri, where the Israeli military issued its first evacuation order in over a month.
The Israeli military cited the move as a reaction to ceasefire violations. Officials stated that residents had returned to the Mansouri area under the oversight of the Lebanese army, which Israel claims breaches the current trilateral agreement. This agreement, mediated by the United States, intends to see a phased withdrawal of Israeli forces from occupied territory in exchange for the disarmament of Hezbollah.
Hezbollah maintains its rejection of the disarmament provisions within the framework. Despite ongoing talks in Rome aimed at stabilizing the ceasefire, the situation on the ground remains volatile. Local authorities in Mansouri reported that families have begun fleeing again, reversing a trend of returns observed following the June ceasefire announcement.
The conflict, which began in early March, has resulted in significant casualties on both sides. The United Nations reports that while many displaced citizens returned to their homes, hundreds of thousands remain displaced across Lebanon. As diplomatic efforts continue in Rome, the latest escalation underscores the fragility of the current arrangements along the border.