Israeli newspaper claims Hezbollah launched a drone toward the army in southern Lebanon
The Hebrew-language newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth claimed on Friday that Hezbollah launched explosive-laden drones toward an Israeli Army force in southern Lebanon over the past 24 hours. The newspaper reported that the incident “resulted in no injuries or damage,” while the army refrained from announcing it. Hezbollah had not issued any statement confirming these reports as of 22:20 GMT.
The newspaper stated that the Israeli Army confirmed the occurrence of the incident after it inquired about it. It noted that Northern Command Commander Major General Ravi Milu issued orders not to disclose details. In its response, the army explained that information is released based on operational considerations and field assessments, and that information which could harm forces operating in combat zones is not disclosed.
Israel has continued its aggression against Lebanon since March 3, resulting in the deaths of 4,333 people and the injury of 12,250 others, according to the Lebanese Ministry of Health, despite Beirut and Tel Aviv signing a “framework formula” under US sponsorship on June 26.
According to the newspaper, the incident comes days after two reserve soldiers were killed and four others seriously injured in a bomb explosion during a sweep operation in southern Lebanon, an event the Israeli Army considered a violation of the ceasefire agreement in effect since June 2026. The newspaper added that the military establishment then called for a broad response against Hezbollah, but the political level prevented a major offensive, limiting the army to conducting limited strikes in southern Lebanon.
The newspaper also claimed that Hezbollah launched another explosive-laden drone last week targeting an Israeli Army engineering vehicle in the Ali al-Tahir area in southern Lebanon, hitting the target without causing injuries. This prompted the Israeli Chief of Staff to emphasize the necessity of an immediate response to any similar incident.
Yedioth Ahronoth reported that Israel linked that incident to a subsequent operation carried out by the army to destroy underground infrastructure and headquarters belonging to the Badr Unit of Hezbollah in the Boufer area in southern Lebanon, using approximately 700 tons of explosives.
Negotiations are ongoing following the signing of the “framework formula” by Beirut and Tel Aviv under US sponsorship on June 26, which stipulates a gradual Israeli withdrawal from occupied Lebanese territories, beginning with the implementation of a model in experimental areas, in exchange for the deployment of the Lebanese Army there and the disarmament of armed groups, referring to Hezbollah.
