IDF Strikes Hezbollah Targets in South Lebanon After Drone Attack Injures Israeli Soldiers

Following a breach of the ceasefire by Hezbollah and the injury of three Israeli combat engineers from an explosive drone attack, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched extensive retaliatory strikes in southern Lebanon. The incident occurred around 2:30 a.m. near the Ali Taher ridge, where the drone was reportedly launched from an underground Hezbollah facility. The IDF targeted Hezbollah positions including a central command post in Al-Ansar and villages such as Rouman and Deir Sirian.

The Israeli Prime Minister's Office confirmed the injuries in an unusual official statement, noting that Hezbollah's attack severely wounded three soldiers protecting Israeli border communities. In response, the IDF eliminated Ali Hassan, a battalion commander in Hezbollah's Radwan Force, along with other militants involved in planning attacks against Israeli forces. The IDF emphasized that Hassan used his family as human shields during the strike, but the family was not the target.

The wounded soldiers were evacuated to Rambam Hospital, with two in serious condition and one in moderate condition. Lebanese media reported airstrikes, artillery fire, and ground operations by Israeli forces in the Ali Taher area and surrounding villages. The IDF reiterated its commitment to preventing Hezbollah from threatening Israeli civilians and military personnel, vowing to continue operations to neutralize such threats.

This escalation follows a rare direct attack on Israeli troops from Lebanese territory, highlighting ongoing tensions despite the ceasefire agreement in the region. The IDF's swift and focused response underscores its stance against Hezbollah's attempts to undermine security along the northern border.