At least two people were killed in southern Lebanon after Israeli drone strikes and artillery shelling targeted areas near Kfar Reman and Yater, despite ongoing ceasefire negotiations between Israeli and Lebanese officials in Washington. The attacks came as diplomatic efforts, backed by the United States, seek to stabilize the Israel-Lebanon border following a renewed ceasefire agreement linked to broader regional de-escalation.
The Israeli military said it targeted Hezbollah operatives operating in southern Lebanon, while Lebanese authorities described the strikes as another violation of the recently renewed ceasefire. Although cross-border violence has eased compared to previous weeks, military operations continue, underscoring the fragile security situation along the border.
The latest developments also highlighted deep disagreements over the future of southern Lebanon. Lebanese officials insist that Israeli forces must fully withdraw from occupied Lebanese territory before any lasting peace can be achieved. However, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz rejected calls for a withdrawal, stating that Israeli troops will remain in southern Lebanon until Hezbollah is completely disarmed, even if the United States pressures Israel to leave.
Meanwhile, Washington-hosted negotiations continue with discussions reportedly focusing on replacing Israeli forces with the Lebanese Armed Forces after a verified deployment process. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun reaffirmed that the Lebanese Army is prepared to take control of southern border areas once Israeli troops withdraw, paving the way for reconstruction efforts in communities devastated by months of conflict.
Despite the reduction in large-scale hostilities, residents returning to southern Lebanese towns continue to face security risks as intermittent Israeli strikes persist. Hezbollah has condemned the ongoing talks, insisting that any negotiations should begin only after a complete Israeli military withdrawal from Lebanese territory.
