The Israeli military said an updated review of recent operations in southern Lebanon found its forces killed three Hezbollah fighters and struck the group’s infrastructure across the area in an effort to dismantle operational sites. The army described the actions as intended to remove imminent threats to Israeli civilians and troops.
The IDF said some strikes extended beyond the zone it intends to control, reaching positions north of the so-called Yellow Line. One Israeli soldier was lightly wounded and evacuated for treatment, the military added.
According to the IDF, troops detected three militants approaching a position south of the forward defence line on Sunday. The Israeli Air Force struck the men, the military said, and follow-up attacks hit the Bint Jbeil sector headquarters and other military structures. The army reported secondary explosions at several sites, which it said indicated weapons storage.
The military warned it will continue to act decisively against threats directed at Israeli civilians and soldiers, in line with directives from the political leadership.
Hezbollah deputy leader Naim Qassem reiterated the group’s refusal to enter direct talks with Israel and pledged continued resistance. Speaking to Al Jazeera, Qassem said direct negotiations were out of the question and insisted Hezbollah would not relinquish its arms. He also criticised what he described as an unnecessary concession by the Lebanese government and urged that any talks be conducted indirectly.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Hezbollah is undermining the ceasefire arrangement in Lebanon and warned Israel would respond with force to preserve security along the northern border. He emphasized that the IDF remains active and operates under rules agreed with the United States and within coordination frameworks involving Lebanon.
The surge in activity follows a US announcement on April 23 that extended a ceasefire in Lebanon by three weeks. The US administration said it would work with Lebanon to strengthen its ability to protect itself from Hezbollah influence.
The situation remains tense, with both sides signalling continued readiness to act as diplomatic and security efforts proceed.
