IDF Engineering Vehicle Hit by Hezbollah Drone in Southern Lebanon for First Time Since Ceasefire

An Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) engineering vehicle was struck overnight between Tuesday and Wednesday in the Israeli security zone in southern Lebanon, near the Ali Tahar ridge north of Beaufort. There were no casualties reported in the incident. The IDF assesses that the vehicle was hit by an explosive drone operated by Hezbollah. This marks the first time since the ceasefire in Lebanon that Hezbollah has successfully attacked and damaged an IDF vehicle.

The IDF is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the attack. Beneath the Ali Tahar ridge, dozens of Hezbollah militants are believed to be stationed in a strategic compound. The IDF has maintained a siege on this facility for several weeks but has not yet entered or destroyed the infrastructure, due in part to ongoing direct negotiations between Israel and Lebanon mediated by the United States.