Israeli forces killed two individuals in southern Lebanon on Tuesday, as reported by Lebanon’s Civil Defence and Health Ministry. This incident led to accusations from Iran-backed Hezbollah, claiming that Israel breached a ceasefire that had been holding since Sunday.
The ongoing ceasefire, the longest since the outbreak of the conflict triggered by the U.S.-Iran tensions on March 2, witnessed a return of displaced individuals to their homes in southern Lebanon. Despite concerns over the stability of the ceasefire and the presence of Israeli troops deep within Lebanese territory, a sense of relative calm prevailed, as evident by the congested highway in the region.
The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has overshadowed diplomatic efforts to resolve the U.S.-Iran dispute. Tehran has demanded that Israel cease its attacks in Lebanon as part of an interim agreement with Washington, linking the broader negotiations to the situation in Lebanon.
The recent shooting marked the first fatalities following the ceasefire agreement. Israeli soldiers reportedly fired upon a group of individuals near a bulldozer in the al-Deir neighborhood of Nabatieh al-Fawqa, according to local sources and Lebanon’s state news agency NNA.
In response, the Israeli military claimed that its troops fired warning shots at individuals on a bulldozer and motorcycle that had entered the area controlled by Israeli forces in southern Lebanon. The military labeled them as “Hezbollah terrorists operating under civilian cover.”
Hezbollah condemned the incident, stating that two civilians were killed in the shooting and accusing Israel of violating the ceasefire. The group did not specify any intended actions in response. Meanwhile, Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva expressed concerns, emphasizing that any breach of the agreement in Lebanon could jeopardize peace talks.
Efforts are being made to maintain the ceasefire, with the U.S. and Iranian officials agreeing to establish a “de-confliction cell” to oversee compliance with the cessation of hostilities in Lebanon. Israeli leaders reiterated their commitment to preventing threats from Hezbollah and affirmed their presence in Lebanon for as long as necessary.
Additional incidents, including a drone strike on a parked car in southern Lebanon, have further heightened tensions in the region. Local officials have reported that residents are apprehensive and urged caution following the recent violence, with many displaced individuals hesitant to return to their homes amidst the ongoing conflict.