Israeli Drone Strike in Lebanon’s Bekaa Kills One Despite Ceasefire Tensions
Beirut— An Israeli drone strike in eastern Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley killed one person and wounded two others on Wednesday, Lebanese state media reported, underscoring continued tensions despite an ongoing truce between Israel and Hezbollah.
Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency said the attack occurred at dawn on the outskirts of Al-Jabur in the West Bekaa region. There was no immediate confirmation from the Israeli military, which said it was not aware of the reported strike.
The incident comes amid a fragile ceasefire between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah that began last week following an escalation of cross-border hostilities.Hezbollah said on Tuesday it had launched rockets and attack drones toward northern Israel, describing the action as a response to what it called repeated Israeli violations of the truce, including strikes on civilian areas and infrastructure.
The Israeli military said Hezbollah had fired multiple rockets at its forces in southern Lebanon and that it had targeted the launcher in retaliation.
Lebanese media also reported continued Israeli artillery shelling and demolition operations in southern areas where Israeli forces remain deployed.
Israel intensified its military campaign in Lebanon after Hezbollah entered the broader regional conflict in support of Iran in early March.
Despite the ceasefire, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has said Israeli forces would respond with “full force” to any perceived threats.Under the terms of the truce, Israel maintains that it reserves the right to act against attacks it deems imminent or ongoing.