Key facts
- Hezbollah claimed its fighters confronted an Israeli infiltration attempt near Nabatieh.
- The group stated it engaged Israeli troops with appropriate weaponry.
- Hezbollah also reported confronting Israeli helicopter landings in east Lebanon.
- Lebanese authorities reported 16 deaths and 35 wounded from Israeli strikes in Nabi Sheet.
- Israeli media reported that Israeli forces are to remain in occupied Lebanese territory with limited operations.
Hezbollah announced on March 7 that its fighters confronted Israeli troops who attempted to infiltrate strategic hills overlooking the southern city of Nabatieh overnight. The group stated that its fighters ambushed the Israeli forces and engaged them with appropriate weaponry.
In a statement, Hezbollah declared its commitment to the ceasefire but warned it would not be lenient in confronting any Israeli attempts to expand its occupation. The group also reported confronting Israeli helicopter landings in east Lebanon, stating that its fighters engaged troops who disembarked near a cemetery in Nabi Sheet. The clash reportedly escalated after the Israeli force was exposed, leading to intense strikes before their evacuation.
Lebanese authorities reported that at least 16 people were killed and 35 wounded in Israeli strikes on the Nabi Sheet area on March 6. The National News Agency also indicated clashes on the Lebanese-Syrian border to repel Israeli landing attempts.
Israeli media reported that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and defence minister Israel Katz have instructed the military to remain in occupied Lebanese territory while largely refraining from further attacks, except in the area around Ali al-Taher near Nabatieh, where fighting has continued and Israeli troops have suffered casualties in recent days. According to the reports, Israel considers its current posture compatible with the ceasefire, maintaining that it will not expand operations unless Hezbollah targets its forces.
Reports indicate a divergence between Washington, which is seeking to preserve the ceasefire and advance talks towards a broader agreement, and Israeli officials who remain critical of the memorandum of understanding and oppose withdrawing from occupied areas in Lebanon.