US Restrains Israel's Military Response After Fatal South Lebanon Incident

Following the deadly incident in southern Lebanon where two Israeli reservists, Harel Birnstok and Tamir Vaknin, were killed by a booby-trapped building explosion in Majdal Zoun, Israel's political leadership approved a measured military response. Despite the severity of the attack, the United States intervened to limit Israel's retaliation, aiming to prevent escalation and protect ongoing peace negotiations. According to Lebanese newspaper Nidaa Al-Watan, cited by Israeli Channel 12, the US played a decisive role in curbing Israel's response, ensuring the third day of peace talks between Israel and Lebanon in Rome could proceed without disruption.

A Lebanese official told the newspaper that Lebanon sought to reduce tensions through diplomatic and security contacts. However, the official warned that Hezbollah's lack of cooperation and Israel's insistence on striking every threat risk pushing the situation toward possible escalation. The source emphasized that all options remain open, and Lebanon is taking necessary steps to halt escalation and continue negotiations under US pressure, highlighting the importance of not wasting this diplomatic opportunity.

Meanwhile, Hezbollah-affiliated Lebanese network Al-Mayadeen reported Israeli Air Force strikes on the towns of Al-Mansouri and Bourj Al-Shamali near Tyre in southern Lebanon. The report also mentioned three drone attacks in Bourj Al-Shamali, with rescue teams evacuating several wounded individuals. Concurrently, the IDF fired artillery shells toward the Ali Al-Taher ridge area in southern Lebanon.