The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have killed a Lebanese general and two soldiers in a strike, putting Trump’s new ceasefire in jeopardy.
The strike, which took place in the Nabatieh area on Saturday, targeted a military vehicle that was “moving suspiciously” according to the IDF.
“The IDF had received concrete indications that Hezbollah would direct fire toward IDF soldiers from the same area,” it said in a statement on X.
“In light of the threat posed to the soldiers, the vehicle was struck.”
A brigadier general, captain and soldier were killed, according to the Lebanese armed forces.
Lebanese officials said Israel was sabotaging efforts “to reach a solution that would restore stability, establish a comprehensive ceasefire and lead to the Israeli withdrawal from the occupied Lebanese territories.”
“The continued, deliberate, and repeated Israeli aggression against Lebanon, its people and its army only strengthen our resolve, faith and determination,” the Lebanese army said in a statement.
In a separate incident on Saturday, an IDF soldier was killed by a member of Hezbollah.
Israel began attacking Hezbollah, which is based in Lebanon, shortly after the war with Iran began, at the end of February.
Iran has insisted that a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah is a necessary condition of bringing the wider war to an end.
A ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon was negotiated, with the backing of President Trump, in mid-April, before being extended for a further 45 days in May.
President Trump has expressed optimism that “progress is made,” but Hezbollah has rejected parts of the deal and tit-for-tat strikes with Israel have continued since the deal was signed.
Last weekend, Israel moved to occupy territory north of the Litani river in southern Lebanon, including Beaufort Castle, a 900-year-old stronghold from the Crusades.
