An Israeli drone strike targeted a car in southern Lebanon on Saturday, killing one person, who the Israeli military identified as a Hezbollah member. Lebanon’s Health Ministry reported that another individual was critically injured in the attack, which occurred on the Burj Al-Moulouk road in the border area.
The Israeli army stated that the Hezbollah member was about to carry out a terrorist operation in Kfarkila when the strike occurred. Despite the ceasefire agreement, the Israeli army has continued to target Hezbollah figures in areas north and south of the Litani Line, extending to the northern Bekaa region. Unverified reports suggest that over 100 people have died since the ceasefire came into effect on Nov. 27.
In related developments, Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam spoke with French President Emmanuel Macron, who praised the Lebanese government’s efforts to maintain unity, security, and stability. Macron also discussed Lebanon’s reconstruction prospects and reforms. He stated that President Joseph Aoun would visit Paris on March 28 and reaffirmed France’s commitment to Lebanon’s recovery and sovereignty.
This French support comes as Lebanon seeks diplomatic efforts to urge Israel to withdraw from five strategic hills in the border region, which overlook both Lebanese territory and Israeli settlements. The Israeli army has been using live fire to prevent movement in the border villages, citing Hezbollah activity as the reason.
The Israeli military has continued to demolish homes and facilities, claiming they belong to Hezbollah. Lebanon is attempting to negotiate indirectly with Israel through US mediation to resolve 13 disputed land border points. This follows the earlier resolution of maritime border issues through indirect negotiations under former President Michel Aoun.
President Joseph Aoun has called on the US to press Israel to withdraw by mid-week and release all Lebanese prisoners. A US diplomatic and military delegation visited the eastern sector of the Lebanese-Israeli border on Friday to assess the damage caused by the Israeli military.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has announced that the Israeli army will maintain its presence in five locations in southern Lebanon indefinitely, regardless of ongoing border negotiations. Katz directed the military to fortify its positions and prepare for a prolonged stay.
Meanwhile, Lebanon is preparing to finalize documents for three committees established under US auspices, focusing on prisoner releases, Israeli withdrawal, and resolving the land border dispute. Lebanese Culture Minister Ghassan Salame visited the Chamaa castle in the Tyre District, which was heavily damaged by Israeli drones during the recent conflict. Salame condemned the destruction of historical sites and described Israel’s actions as war crimes, emphasizing the government’s determination to liberate occupied Lebanese territories and promote reconstruction.
