Three killed in an Israeli drone strike in southern Lebanon as tensions and ceasefire talks continue

At least three people were killed and another was wounded in a drone strike by the Israeli army in southern Lebanon, Lebanese state media reported.

The incident occurred even though a ceasefire has been declared between Israel and Hezbollah, once again fueling rising tensions in the region.

Following this attack, the total number of victims from Israeli bombardments since Tuesday has reached at least seven.

This situation is unfolding at a time when, for the first time in decades, the governments of Lebanon and Israel have entered into direct negotiations under United States mediation.

Hezbollah strongly condemned the attack, describing it as a “direct attack on civilians” and a “flagrant violation” of the ceasefire. The Shiite movement said it remains committed to the ceasefire agreement while accusing Israel of violating it for the third time.

On the other hand, the Israeli army said the target of the operation was five Hezbollah members, who it said posed a threat to Israeli troops stationed in the area. In a statement published on Telegram, the army said they were “eliminated” during a joint operation between air and ground forces.

Clashes on the Lebanese border resumed at the beginning of March after Hezbollah carried out attacks against Israel in support of Iran, following the joint US-Israeli offensive against Tehran.

In response, Israel launched a broad aerial campaign, while its forces entered parts of southern Lebanon, where they continue to maintain a security zone along the border.

Israeli government spokesman David Mensher said Israel would not withdraw its troops from southern Lebanon as long as Hezbollah remains armed and is seen as a threat to the country’s security.

The attack comes despite the memorandum of understanding between the US and Iran, signed on June 17, which provides for a halt to fighting on all fronts, including the Lebanese one.

At the same time, the fifth round of direct talks between Israel and Lebanon under American mediation is being held in Washington. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said there are signs of progress in the negotiations, even though Hezbollah continues to oppose them.