The Israel Defense Forces says it has launched fresh strikes in southern Lebanon after Hezbollah fighters allegedly sent drones toward Israeli troops operating inside what the military describes as a security zone.
In its latest statement, the IDF said two drones were launched toward its soldiers. Israeli troops opened fire and brought down one of the drones, according to the military.
No Israeli soldiers were reported injured in the incident.
Israel describes attacks as violations of existing understandings
The IDF characterised the latest drone launch as another “blatant violation” of the understandings governing the security situation in the area.
The military said it responded by striking targets in southern Lebanon, arguing that the action was necessary following the attempted attack against its forces.
The latest exchange follows another reported drone incident involving Hezbollah and Israeli troops the previous day.
Israeli forces target Hezbollah personnel and weapons facilities
In a separate statement, the IDF said its forces had struck Hezbollah operatives and weapons storage facilities that were allegedly being used to prepare and direct attacks against Israeli soldiers and Israeli civilians.
According to the military, those strikes were carried out in response to an earlier attempted attack in which a drone was launched toward Israeli troops operating in the security zone.
The IDF said the targets represented an immediate threat and that the strikes were intended to eliminate that threat.
Repeated incidents raise tensions along the border
The reported drone launches mark another escalation along the Israel-Lebanon frontier, where Israeli forces and Hezbollah have continued to face tensions despite understandings intended to limit hostilities.
The Israeli military has repeatedly warned that attacks or attempted attacks against its troops will draw a response, while Hezbollah has maintained its own military presence and capabilities in the region.
The IDF’s latest statements did not provide details on the precise locations or scale of the strikes carried out in southern Lebanon.
IDF says senior Hamas commander was also killed
Separately, the Israeli military announced the killing of Muhammad Mahmoud Marshad Al-Qadi, whom it identified as a Nukhba company commander in Hamas’ military wing.
The IDF said Al-Qadi was involved in the October 7 attack and had infiltrated the Sufa outpost, where he allegedly commanded the assault.
According to the military, he was also involved during the war in holding hostages in Hamas captivity in the Rafah area.
Israel accuses Al-Qadi of rebuilding Hamas capabilities
The IDF said Al-Qadi continued to play a role in Hamas operations throughout the conflict, including training fighters, helping restore the organisation’s capabilities and advancing plans for further attacks.
The military said he was killed as part of efforts to eliminate what it described as an ongoing threat.
The claims regarding Al-Qadi’s activities, as well as the circumstances surrounding the strikes in southern Lebanon, were issued by the IDF and have not been independently verified in the statements provided.
Southern Lebanon remains a flashpoint
The latest incidents underscore the continuing volatility in southern Lebanon, where Israeli forces say they remain focused on preventing attacks against troops and civilians.
With repeated drone launches prompting Israeli retaliation, the latest developments risk further increasing tensions along a border that has remained a major flashpoint during the wider regional conflict.
