An Israeli UAV strike in southern Lebanon kills four, escalating regional tensions and raising fears of broader conflict.
In southern Lebanon’s Nebatiye province, an Israeli unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) strike on a civilian vehicle claimed the lives of four individuals and left three others injured. The incident occurred overnight in the town of Kefrman, near the city of Nebatiye, intensifying fears of renewed cross-border hostilities.
According to Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency (NNA), the targeted vehicle was struck without warning, leading to extensive damage and casualties. The Lebanese Ministry of Health confirmed the death toll and stated that the injured victims are receiving medical treatment at local hospitals.
This latest bombardment follows a separate Israeli drone strike in Kefr Sir, also located in Nebatiye, which injured one person earlier in the week. The repeated attacks have heightened tensions along the Lebanese-Israeli border, where sporadic clashes have continued despite numerous efforts at ceasefire enforcement.
Shortly after the strikes, Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz issued a stern warning stating that military operations against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon would intensify further. He emphasized that the Lebanese government bears responsibility for ensuring that Hezbollah is disarmed and removed from the southern border zone.
“Hezbollah is playing with fire, and Lebanon’s leadership must act immediately,” Katz declared, reiterating that Israel would impose tougher sanctions and maintain military pressure until all perceived threats to northern Israeli communities are eliminated.
Hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah reignited in October 2023 and spiraled into widespread conflict by September 2024. Over 4,000 people have reportedly been killed and more than 17,000 injured since the outbreak of violence. Although a ceasefire agreement was reached in November 2024, the Israeli military has allegedly violated it more than 4,500 times.
These breaches have resulted in hundreds of civilian deaths and injuries, according to Lebanese officials. Israel still occupies several strategic hills and territories within Lebanon—areas it seized decades ago—defying international calls for withdrawal and compliance with ceasefire commitments.
The recent UAV strike underscores the fragility of the current ceasefire and raises concerns that both sides may be edging closer to a renewed cycle of conflict.
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