The IDF said an explosive drone launched by the terrorist organization landed inside Israeli territory near the Lebanese border. The military stressed that the incident constituted a "blatant violation of the ceasefire" by Hezbollah.
Golani Reconnaissance Unit commander Lt. Col. B. reveals details of the operation to clear the Litani River area in a special interview and says “the conditions are ready” for expanding activity northward. The forces destroyed terrorist infrastructure, fighting tunnels and rocket launchers up to 10 kilometers (6 miles) from northern Israeli communities, inside the “yellow line” under Israeli control.
The heavy exchanges of fire in southern Lebanon continue. Hezbollah is launching explosive drones at IDF soldiers, while the military has yet to provide an adequate defensive solution. The IDF is operating with “one hand tied behind its back” because its activity is limited to what has been defined as the “yellow line.”
Malek Balout, a senior commander in Hezbollah's elite unit, was the target of the strike in Dahiyeh. Netanyahu and Katz: "No terrorist has immunity. Israel's long arm will reach every enemy and murderer."
Hezbollah is still in the learning stage, but the IDF believes that drone swarms in southern Lebanon, similar to those seen on the Ukrainian battlefield, are only a matter if time. The temporary solutions: improvised nets, Smart Shooter rounds and interception drones.
Israeli officials are growing frustrated over Hezbollah's use of explosive drones, adding that entire region is watching. Three Israelis were killed in the past week as a result of these drones.
Amid a lack of an adequate response, forces in the field are deploying nets to “trap” the drones. Senior IDF officer: “The writing was on the wall. We should have prepared long ago.”
The detonation of Hezbollah tunnels and the launch of drones toward IDF troops only prove the reality on the ground, as the US pressures Israel to avoid escalation.
After reports of a false alarm, the IDF acknowledged that Hezbollah had launched rockets at IDF troops in Lebanon. The Israeli Air Force struck the launchers. Alerts in northern Israel were activated after the interception of a drone from Lebanon that did not cross into Israeli territory.
The IDF condemned the act and said it does not align with it's values. “The incident will be investigated thoroughly and in depth, and if necessary, steps will be taken in accordance with the findings,” the military said.
