The Lebanon ceasefire faced severe strain as another Israeli soldier was killed in a mortar attack by Hezbollah. The Israel Defense Forces identified the fallen soldier as 20-year-old Staff Sergeant Negev Dagan of the Golani Brigade's 12th Battalion. He was killed after Hezbollah mortar fire struck southern Lebanon.
Escalating Casualties
According to the Israeli military, Dagan is the sixth soldier killed in southern Lebanon since the ceasefire began, and the 19th since hostilities intensified during the wider Iran-linked regional conflict. The attacks came a day after Israeli drone strikes reportedly hit vehicles south of Beirut, killing eight people, including a woman and her two children.
Regional Tensions
The exchange of fire underscores the fragility of the ceasefire agreement. Hezbollah's retaliation was seen as a direct response to the Israeli strike, which had drawn condemnation from local authorities. The situation remains tense as both sides continue to engage in sporadic violence despite the truce.
International observers have called for restraint, urging both parties to adhere to the ceasefire terms. The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon has increased patrols in the area to monitor compliance and prevent further escalation.
