An Israeli drone strike occurred on Monday, targeting a car in Sidon, a port city in southern Lebanon. This strike represents the most significant military action in Lebanon since a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah was established in late November. According to Lebanon's state news agency, the exact target of the attack remains unknown, and there have been no immediate reports of casualties.
The Israeli military has not yet commented on the attack, which comes just one day before the deadline for Israel's full withdrawal from southern Lebanon, a requirement under the ceasefire agreement that concluded 14 months of conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. The footage circulating on social media captured a car engulfed in flames, highlighting the severity of the strike. Notably, this incident occurred in close proximity to a Lebanese army checkpoint and the municipal sports stadium in Sidon.
The original deadline for Israel's withdrawal from southern Lebanon was set for late January; however, amid pressure from Israel, Lebanon agreed to a revised deadline of February 18. As of now, it is uncertain whether Israeli forces will complete their withdrawal by the scheduled date, further escalating tensions in the region.
Since the ceasefire was enacted, Israel has maintained its airstrike operations in southern and eastern Lebanon, asserting that these strikes are directed at military sites believed to contain missiles and combat equipment. Both Israel and Lebanon have publicly accused each other of violating the ceasefire terms, contributing to the ongoing volatile atmosphere in the region.