Israel Demolishes School in Southern Lebanon, Declares 'Security Zone'

The Israeli military carried out a series of explosions and shelling in southern Lebanon on Friday, including the demolition of a school in the town of Al-Mansouri. Israeli forces also withdrew from the Al-Taher heights after a prolonged operation.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced on Thursday that a "security zone" now extends from the coast to Mount Hermon, stating Israel is "ready to continue the campaign and continue attacking Hezbollah and other places." This comes amid escalating military activity and Israel's upcoming elections.

The Lebanese National News Agency reported that Israeli forces "blew up the largest part" of the official school in Al-Mansouri, leaving only a small section remaining. Israeli aircraft reportedly struck Al-Mansouri concurrently with the school's demolition.

Further actions included an explosion in the Barshit hills and artillery shelling in the Al-Hujayr valley. On Thursday evening, the Israeli military detonated a large explosive in the Al-Taher heights, reportedly targeting a Hezbollah tunnel network over two kilometers long. The Israeli army claimed to have killed approximately 50 militants who refused to surrender after a three-month operation to seize the area.

Israeli media stated that forces are preparing to withdraw from Al-Taher, consolidating at the rear lines near Shqif Castle, and will control the summit remotely. The operation's secrecy was reportedly maintained to prevent Hezbollah and Iranian retaliation. The military also claimed to have intercepted Hezbollah drone supply shipments.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the Al-Taher tunnels as "the largest Iranian site outside Iran." Al-Taher hill, situated between Kfar Tibnit and Nabatieh al-Fawqa, holds strategic importance due to its elevation and command over a large area of southern Lebanon. These actions continue despite a framework agreement signed on June 26th, which stipulated a gradual Israeli withdrawal in exchange for the Lebanese army's deployment.