Hezbollah downs Israeli drone as Israeli incursions strain fragile Lebanon ceasefire

ALBAWABA- Tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border escalated on Wednesday and early today after Hezbollah shot down an Israeli military drone over southern Lebanon, according to the Israeli army, in an incident that underscores the fragility of a U.S.-brokered ceasefire.

Israeli forces responded with artillery shelling targeting several southern Lebanese towns, including Zawtar al-Sharqiya, Yahmar al-Shaqif, and Bayt al-Sayyad, while warplanes carried out additional airstrikes on Haris, Beit Yahoun, and Al Ghandouriya. Lebanese reports also said Israeli aircraft dropped incendiary thermal balloons over parts of the region.

On the Israeli side, sirens sounded in the Western Galilee following a suspected drone incursion from Lebanon. Israeli Army Radio reported that a drone struck near the Shomera settlement, igniting a vehicle, though no casualties were reported.

The latest exchange highlights continued violations of the ceasefire that took effect on 16 April, with both sides accusing each other of breaches. Lebanese authorities say Israeli airstrikes, artillery fire, and incursions have persisted, while Israel maintains its actions are defensive responses to Hezbollah activity.

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has reiterated that military operations will continue until the Lebanese government takes concrete steps to curb Hezbollah and implement agreed security arrangements.

Hezbollah, meanwhile, has framed its actions as legitimate resistance to Israeli violations, contributing to a cycle of retaliation that has raised fears of renewed escalation.