Beirut, Aug. 6: Two Israeli soldiers were killed during combat operations in southern Lebanon, marking the first reported Israeli military fatalities since the fragile ceasefire with Hezbollah came into effect in June, the Israeli military said on Thursday.
According to the military, four additional soldiers were injured in the incident. Israeli media had reported the casualties a day earlier, while the army later confirmed the deaths.
The fatalities came amid renewed military activity along the border. On Wednesday, Israeli forces carried out strikes in southern Lebanon, accusing Hezbollah of violating the ceasefire agreement. The Israeli military also urged residents of the village of Mansouri to evacuate, issuing its first public warning for civilians in Lebanon in several weeks.
Hezbollah did not immediately comment on the Israeli allegations or the latest military operations.
The escalation unfolded as officials from Lebanon and Israel met in Rome to review the implementation of the June 26 ceasefire arrangement. The agreement calls for the withdrawal of Israeli troops from areas they continue to hold in southern Lebanon, while the Lebanese Army is expected to assume control as part of efforts linked to the proposed disarmament of Hezbollah.
Cross-border tensions have persisted despite the truce. The latest conflict between Israel and Hezbollah began in early March after the militant group launched rockets into northern Israel following military action involving the United States and Israel against Iran.
Although the ceasefire has significantly reduced large-scale hostilities since late June, sporadic exchanges of fire, airstrikes and shelling have continued. Israeli forces remain deployed in parts of southern Lebanon, while diplomatic efforts are ongoing to prevent a wider escalation and ensure full implementation of the agreement.
