Israel Strikes Southern Lebanon As Ceasefire Tensions Mount

Israeli aircraft struck areas around Wadi al-Saluki, while artillery and airstrikes targeted several locations, including Mansouri, Meidoun, Zawtar al-Sharqiya and Nabatieh al-Fawqa, according to Lebanese reports. Israeli drones were also reported flying over parts of southern Lebanon. The attacks followed overnight and early-morning operations across several areas of the south.

In the Dabsh area near Mays al-Jabal, an Israeli force accompanied by tanks and bulldozers reportedly entered the area, burned homes and destroyed agricultural structures, according to Lebanon's National News Agency. Israeli forces have also carried out demolitions and engineering operations in several southern towns in recent days. The latest escalation comes as Israel and Lebanon remain engaged in negotiations over the implementation of security arrangements, including the deployment of the Lebanese army, the dismantling of Hezbollah's military infrastructure and the eventual withdrawal of Israeli forces from areas Israel occupies in southern Lebanon. The question of the Israeli withdrawal has become one of the most contentious elements of the process.