The IDF killed Hezbollah anti-tank commander Zayn al-Abidin Hussein Fatouni in southern Lebanon as part of efforts to dismantle Hezbollah's terror infrastructure, following recent strikes on key Hezbollah operatives. Israel also conducted extensive military training on its northern border in preparation for potential conflicts with Hezbollah amidst ongoing tensions over disarmament in Lebanon.
Hezbollah's leader refuses to disarm until Israel withdraws from southern Lebanon, citing ongoing Israeli occupation and attacks, and emphasizing the group's need for missile capabilities for defense. The situation remains tense with international efforts for disarmament and Israeli withdrawal, amid ongoing violence and political discussions.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) conducted air and artillery strikes on Hezbollah infrastructure in five areas of southern Lebanon overnight, targeting locations in al-Khiam, Ayta ash Shab, Hula, Markaba, and Kafr Kila.
Three people, including a field commander in Lebanon's Hezbollah elite forces, were killed in an Israeli strike on Al Sultanya village in Southern Lebanon, according to two security sources.
At least two air strikes hit an area near the coastal Lebanese town of Ghaziyeh, with witnesses reporting loud booms and thick black columns of smoke. Lebanese state media and security sources said the strikes were Israeli, hitting factories and warehouses in an industrial area south of Sidon, injuring at least 14 people. The Israeli military stated that the strikes targeted weapons depots near Sidon in response to a drone launched into Israel by Hezbollah. Tensions between Israel and Hezbollah have escalated, with recent Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon resulting in civilian and Hezbollah fighter casualties, prompting threats of retaliation from Hezbollah's leader and warnings from Israeli officials.
A Reuters news videographer, Issam Abdallah, was killed while working in southern Lebanon. Issam was part of a Reuters crew providing a live video signal. Reuters is seeking more information, working with authorities, and offering support to Issam's family and colleagues.
