BEIRUT — Israel on Tuesday launched an airstrike on the southern Lebanese town of Shebaa, killing one person, in what Lebanese media described as a violation of a newly-reached ceasefire with Hezbollah.
The Lebanese National News Agency (NNA) reported that a missile fired by an Israeli drone killed a shepherd named Jamal Mohammad Saab. The NNA also said Israeli forces conducted heavy explosions in the area between the village of Mhaibib and the Wadi Saluki district and carried out drone strikes near Deir Siryan, a municipality in Marjeyoun, and the village of Beit Lif, all located in southern Lebanon.
An Israeli Merkava tank reportedly crossed from the Tal Nahas area into the Deir Mimas-Burj al-Moulouk-Kfarkela triangle, stopping approximately 200 meters from a Lebanese army checkpoint in the village of Burj al-Muluk, according to the NNA.
In response to escalating tensions, the Lebanese army deployed additional soldiers to the city of Tyre and surrounding areas as part of a broader redeployment effort in southern Lebanon, particularly in border villages, the NNA said. The Lebanese Defense Ministry also announced a call for new recruits to join combat units in the armed forces.
Earlier on Tuesday, Israel warned it would expand its military operations to include targets linked to the Lebanese state if the ceasefire with Hezbollah collapses. The warning came after Hezbollah launched two mortars into a disputed border area on Monday, accusing Israel of repeated violations of the truce. Israel retaliated with airstrikes on more than 20 locations across Lebanon.
The ceasefire, which took effect on Nov. 27, was intended to halt cross-border violence between Hezbollah and Israel that erupted on Oct. 8. However, tensions remain high, with both sides accusing each other of breaching the fragile agreement.
XINHUA