Lebanon reports three killed in Israeli strike near Sidon

Details of the strike

According to Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency, the attack involved an Israeli drone hitting a vehicle about 10 kilometers (six miles) from Sidon. The Health Ministry reported the same casualty toll. An Israeli military statement said it struck “several Hezbollah terrorists in the area of Sidon.”

Background: Ceasefire and ongoing tensions

Despite a November 2024 ceasefire intended to halt over a year of hostilities with Hezbollah, Israel has continued strikes in Lebanon, claiming to target rearming militants. Lebanon, under heavy US pressure and fearing escalation, has pledged to disarm Hezbollah, starting with the south near the Litani River.

Diplomatic efforts and UNIFIL

The strike came after Lebanese and Israeli representatives attended the ceasefire monitoring committee meeting, which also includes the US, France, and UNIFIL. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun emphasised negotiations aim to stop hostilities, ensure Israel’s withdrawal, return prisoners, and allow southern residents to return to their villages.

Italy has pledged continued support for Lebanon’s armed forces and international presence after UNIFIL’s planned withdrawal in 2027.

Lebanese Army’s disarmament plan

Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said the first phase of restricting weapons south of the Litani River is “days away from completion,” with a second phase north of the river to follow.

Since the ceasefire, more than 340 people have died in Israeli strikes in Lebanon, according to health ministry reports. Recent attacks include one death and one injury in south Lebanon on Sunday.