BEIRUT: Following weeks of fighting mostly confined to border regions since the start of the Israel-Hamas conflict, an Israeli drone attacked a car deep within Lebanese territory on Saturday, according to state media in Lebanon.
Israel drone strikes into Lebanese territory: Approximately 45 kilometres (28 miles) from the Israeli border, on a farm in the Zahrani area of Lebanon, “an enemy drone targeted a pick-up truck,” according to the National News Agency (NNA) of Lebanon. No casualties were report.
Since October 7, when the Palestinian organization Hamas initiated attacks on Israel, a war has ensued, marked by daily gunfights along the border between the two nations. The conflicts predominantly involve Israel and the Hezbollah movement in Lebanon, supported by Iran.
The Israeli strike on Lebanese territory on Saturday was the most extensive since the start of the most recent conflict. Israeli fire occurred just hours before Hezbollah’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah, was scheduled to give a televised speech at 3:00 pm (1300 GMT).
Near the Zahrani power plant, one of Lebanon’s failing energy facilities, the Lebanese army barred media from entering the area.
On Saturday, the NNA claimed Israeli attacks on regions close to the border, while an AFP correspondent in northern Israel reported hearing what appeared to be incoming rocket fire following the sounding of air raid sirens.
Hezbollah claimed responsibility for two cross-border operations it launched on Saturday against Israeli forces, resulting in deaths.
“Border Escalation: Israeli Strikes and Hezbollah Allegations Lead to Rising Tensions”
On Friday, the influential Shiite Muslim outfit reported that Israeli fire had killed seven of its militants, though it did not specify where or when the incidents occurred.
Subsequently, it issued other announcements alleging strikes on the border region of northern Israel, including three drone attacks, one of which targeted an Israeli army barrack.
Israeli forces were “striking extensively in the north” in response to three drone “infiltrations,” according to military spokesman Daniel Hagari.
An AFP count indicates that since last month, at least 90 people have died in cross-border clashes on the Lebanese side, the majority of whom being Hezbollah fighters.
On the Israeli side, there have been two civilian deaths and six troops killed.
