Two Israeli soldiers and one Lebanese killed in south Lebanon clashes

Two Israeli soldiers were killed in southern Lebanon, the Israeli military said on Thursday, while Israeli retaliatory attacks killed at least one person, according to the Lebanese health ministry.

On Wednesday, the Israeli military began strikes in southern Lebanon in response to what it said was a "Hezbollah violation" of the ceasefire.

Israeli local media said the two soldiers were killed and four others wounded when an explosive device detonated in an area where they were operating in the south.

The Lebanese health ministry said an Israeli strike on the southern town of Tibnin killed one person and wounded 12 others.

Diplomacy continues despite rising tensions

The renewed violence unfolded as delegations from Lebanon and Israel continued talks in Rome, the second day of the latest round of negotiations aimed at stabilising the border.

The discussions follow five previous rounds held in Washington under U.S. sponsorship.

Negotiators are working within the framework of a U.S.-brokered agreement signed on 26 June.

The deal outlines a phased Israeli withdrawal from occupied Lebanese territory in exchange for the deployment of the Lebanese army in the south and the disarmament of armed groups, widely understood to refer to Hezbollah.

Fragile ceasefire under pressure

The latest exchange highlights the fragility of the ceasefire, with both sides continuing to accuse each other of violations while diplomacy struggles to gain momentum.

According to Lebanon's Health Ministry, Israel's military campaign in Lebanon since 2 March has killed 4,333 people and injured 12,250 others.

A boy walks next to the rubble of buildings in Zawtar al-Gharbiyeh, after the withdrawal of Israeli forces under a US-mediated plan, in southern Lebanon, 26 July 2026.
Reuters

Israel also continues to maintain a military presence in parts of southern Lebanon, including areas occupied decades ago and territory captured during the 2023-2024 conflict.

Lebanese officials say Israeli forces have advanced more than 10 kilometres into Lebanese territory during the current offensive, adding another obstacle to efforts to secure a lasting truce.

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