Israel Strikes Lebanon After Hezbollah Drone Attack; Military Holds Surprise Readiness Drill

The Israeli Air Force launched a wave of strikes in southern Lebanon on Sunday following a Hezbollah attack involving two explosive-laden drones targeting Israeli forces. One drone was intercepted by soldiers, with no reported casualties. Security officials stated that Hezbollah's actions were an attempt to impede or delay the IDF's planned demolition of infrastructure on the Ali Taher ridge.

In response to the drone launches, the IDF ordered the evacuation of a building in the village of Arab Salim, in the Nabatieh district, and subsequently struck it. Lebanese reports indicated one person was killed and three injured in this strike. Another three-story structure in the village of Rumaish was also attacked, as was a motorcycle in Nabatieh. Lebanese sources also reported that an airstrike in Nabatieh al-Fawqa targeted the Randour hospital building, which security officials identified as a Hezbollah command center that was empty at the time.

The IDF stated that it is actively and will continue to forcefully counter Hezbollah's repeated attempts to harm Israeli forces. This operation follows the IDF's announcement last week that special forces had completed clearing the Ali Taher ridge of Hezbollah operatives. Security sources noted that no Iranian advisors or Quds Force members were identified during the recent weeks-long operation, contrary to unofficial Iranian claims.

Simultaneously, the IDF announced it had commenced a surprise, multi-branch drill to assess readiness for a sudden, multi-front scenario. The exercise aims to test alert levels, response to unexpected operational situations, reserve mobilization, decision-making processes, and operational responses across all command echelons, from regional commands to the General Staff, in preparation for the upcoming holiday period. The drill, which involves the rapid deployment of a battalion via helicopter, is being conducted under strict secrecy to surprise even senior officers. The Chief of Staff is observing the exercise from the IDF’s Kirya headquarters and in the field, and increased military and air traffic is expected nationwide, though no security incident is anticipated.

IDF officials explained that the drill incorporates operational plans and lessons learned from recent combat and the events of October 7th. During the operation on the Ali Taher ridge, Hezbollah operatives were reportedly confined to a compound, with the IDF monitoring and preventing external assistance. Security officials reported that Hezbollah's difficulty in aiding its operatives created internal pressure within the organization. The IDF stated that underground facilities found at the site, including command posts, weapons storage, generator rooms, living quarters, showers, and a kitchen, were part of a strategic infrastructure built over two decades and funded by Iran, enabling operatives to sustain prolonged combat operations.