An Israeli drone operation in eastern Lebanon resulted in four fatalities on Sunday evening, targeting a vehicle near the Syrian frontier according to Lebanese official media reports. The incident represents the latest escalation in Israel’s expanding military campaign beyond Gaza.
Lebanon’s National News Agency confirmed the strike occurred in the Majdal Anjar region of the Bekaa Valley, close to the Masnaa border crossing. The state media outlet reported that the targeted vehicle was hit by an Israeli drone, with four casualties discovered inside the wreckage following the attack.
The Israeli military asserted without presenting evidence that the operation targeted “terrorist operatives” allegedly affiliated with the Palestinian Islamic Jihad group. This claim was reiterated through official channels, including a social media statement from Captain Ella, the Israeli army’s deputy Arabic-language spokesperson.
This development occurs despite a ceasefire agreement established between Israel and Hezbollah in November 2024. According to statistics compiled from Lebanese Health Ministry figures, Israeli strikes have claimed over 370 lives in Lebanon since the truce was implemented, with attacks continuing almost daily.
Lebanese authorities report persistent Israeli military activity across multiple regions, contributing to steadily mounting casualties despite diplomatic efforts to stabilize the border situation. The ongoing violence underscores the fragility of security arrangements in the region.
In parallel developments, the Lebanese army has advanced a government-initiated disarmament program targeting Hezbollah fighters in border-adjacent territories. This initiative, part of Beirut’s broader strategy to reinforce state authority along the frontier, completed its initial phase in January.
Concurrently, Lebanese security forces have coordinated the transfer of weapons from various Palestinian factions within refugee camps to state security institutions over the past year. These measures form part of comprehensive efforts to diminish the presence of non-state armed groups and consolidate governmental control in sensitive border areas.