A Lebanese soldier died and two others were injured when an explosive device detonated in their army vehicle in southern Lebanon. The Israeli military stated the device did not belong to them and was likely placed by Hezbollah.
The incident highlights the ongoing tensions and escalating hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, with a Lebanese soldier killed and the Israeli military accusing Hezbollah of placing an explosive device, further complicating efforts towards a ceasefire.
A Lebanese soldier was killed and an officer and another soldier were wounded when a suspicious object exploded in an army vehicle in the southern Lebanese town of Mansouri. The Israeli military stated the vehicle had driven over an explosive device and that the device did not belong to the Israeli military, suggesting it was most likely placed by Hezbollah. The Israeli military also noted that its soldiers had not been present in the area recently and the Lebanese army vehicle had entered what it described as the security zone without prior coordination with Israel.
Previously, the Israeli military announced it had struck a Hezbollah cell in southern Lebanon after identifying a drone belonging to the group operating in the vicinity. The military stated the air force located fighters who were operating drones and taking cover near Israeli troops, an action that contravened existing ceasefire understandings. In a separate incident on Wednesday, five Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers were wounded in southern Lebanon when an explosive drone operated by Hezbollah detonated near their location. The initial explosion reportedly occurred near a tank belonging to the Givati Brigade, causing shrapnel injuries to four soldiers. As these soldiers were being escorted to an evacuation vehicle, a second explosive drone struck, injuring a fifth soldier.
Hezbollah's drone attacks have become a growing concern for IDF personnel operating in Lebanon and for communities along Israel's northern border, increasing in frequency despite the formal ceasefire. Leaders at the G7 summit also called for an immediate ceasefire in Lebanon and the disarmament of Hezbollah. U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly criticized Israel's ongoing campaign, suggesting it was lasting too long and resulting in too many casualties.