One person killed and four injured in drone strike amid cross-border operations and renewed resistance from Hezbollah against US disarmament proposals.
An Israeli drone strike on Thursday evening targeted a vehicle traveling along Khaldeh Road in southern Beirut, killing one person and injuring at least four others. The attack, which occurred around 5 p.m., involved two guided missiles that scored direct hits on the car, according to eyewitnesses. Khaldeh Road is typically a busy thoroughfare, raising further concerns about civilian safety in the escalating conflict.
The Israeli military confirmed responsibility for the airstrike. In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), Israeli army spokesperson Avichay Adraee said the operation targeted “a terrorist in Lebanon who was involved in arms smuggling and advancing terrorist plots against Israeli citizens and army forces,” allegedly acting on behalf of Iran’s Quds Force.
Earlier that same day, Israeli forces also entered the southern Lebanese town of Kfar Kila, located just across the border from the Israeli settlement of Metula, and demolished a civilian home. The town, known for its proximity to the Israeli border, remains a flashpoint under constant watch by both the UN Interim Force in Lebanon and the Lebanese army.
These developments come just days before the scheduled visit of US envoy Thomas Barrack to Beirut. The visit aims to gather Lebanon’s response to American proposals that seek to limit armed control within the country exclusively to state forces. However, Hezbollah has strongly rejected the initiative.
Speaking on Wednesday, Hezbollah’s secretary-general Naim Qassem stated, “We categorically reject any efforts to disarm. Our weapons are our legitimate and legal right to confront the Israeli occupation.” Qassem emphasized that disarmament is a domestic Lebanese matter and should not be influenced by foreign pressure.
He added, “We will not accept humiliation or surrendering our land or weapons to the Israeli enemy. No one decides for us or imposes choices that we do not accept.”
The renewed Israeli strikes and Hezbollah’s firm resistance to disarmament have intensified an already volatile situation along the Lebanon-Israel border, raising fears of further escalation.