Israel's military says a Hezbollah explosive drone struck one of its vehicles in southern Lebanon, calls that a ceasefire violation and bombarded Nabatieh in response. Chief of staff Eyal Zamir says the army will hold its security zone and may expand it.
Israel and Lebanon share a contested southern border where the Lebanese group Hezbollah has long operated, and Israeli forces have been conducting military operations inside southern Lebanese territory. Israel says it is dismantling Hezbollah infrastructure in the border area, and Israeli officials have described taking control of a strip of Lebanese land reaching from the Mediterranean coast eastward to Mount Hermon. Israeli air and drone strikes have hit Lebanese towns including Nabatieh, and Israeli troops have demolished buildings in the areas they hold. The United States is acting as an intermediary and has convened talks between the two governments, most recently announcing a further round in Rome.
The Israeli military said Hezbollah used an explosive drone against one of its vehicles on a strategic ridge in southern Lebanon, called this a ceasefire violation and reported no injuries among its soldiers. Israeli forces bombarded Nabatieh in southern Lebanon, and chief of staff Eyal Zamir said the army will not leave its security zone until long-term security is ensured and is ready to expand it if necessary.
Defence Minister Israel Katz said Israeli forces destroyed 24 villages in southern Lebanon that Hezbollah used as strongholds, and that Israel now controls 700 square kilometres from the coast to Mount Hermon. Israeli drones struck Nabatieh and the Israeli military demolished homes, while Washington announced further talks between Israel and Lebanon in Rome.