BEIRUT (AP) — The Lebanese army withdrew its troops from a base in Kfar Tebnit, a southern Lebanese village, on Saturday following an advance by Israeli troops in the area, according to a military official. Israel's military is reportedly seeking to secure territorial gains in anticipation of a potential U.S.-Iran agreement that may involve Lebanon.
The Lebanese National News Agency reported airstrikes on various villages near Nabatiyeh, resulting in two fatalities in Deir al-Zahrani, along with artillery shelling in Nabatiyeh. A senior Lebanese military official stated that the withdrawal from Kfar Tebnit was prompted by an incursion from Israeli forces, although further details were not provided.
Israeli troops are believed to be targeting the strategic Ali Taher hill, which overlooks Nabatiyeh and connects to nearby roads. This hill was previously held by Israeli forces for 18 years until their withdrawal in May 2000.
Hezbollah reported conducting several attacks on Israeli troops, including a drone strike targeting forces near Kfar Tebnit. The group has utilized fiber-optic drones since the onset of the current conflict, resulting in casualties among Israeli personnel.
On Saturday, an Israeli drone reportedly targeted a Lebanese soldier near a hospital in Nabatiyeh, missing initially but later striking the soldier on a road to Kfar Rumman, causing serious injuries. This escalation follows statements from Pakistan’s prime minister indicating that the U.S. and Iran are nearing an agreement to conclude their conflict in the Middle East, which is expected to include Lebanon.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed that both nations are working towards an initial agreement to end hostilities on all fronts, including Lebanon. A senior Hezbollah official stated that they have been informed by Iranian representatives that Lebanon would be included in any future ceasefire agreement.
Despite a ceasefire that began on April 17 and has been renewed multiple times, attacks between Israel and Hezbollah have persisted. Israel continues to occupy parts of southern Lebanon, engaging in conflict with Hezbollah fighters, which has resulted in civilian casualties and infrastructure damage. Hezbollah, not being part of the ceasefire agreement, has frequently launched rocket and drone attacks.
The current conflict between Israel and Hezbollah escalated on March 2, when Hezbollah fired rockets into northern Israel following U.S. and Israeli military actions against Iran. According to the Lebanese Health Ministry, over 3,700 individuals have died in Lebanon due to the ongoing fighting, along with casualties reported among Israeli soldiers and civilians.