Hezbollah Attacks Israeli Forces in Southern Lebanon Amid Ceasefire

Hezbollah launched multiple attacks on Israeli forces stationed in southern Lebanon on Friday, leading to a series of confrontations despite an ongoing ceasefire. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) released footage showing six Hezbollah gunmen being neutralized after exchanging fire with troops in the town of Bint Jbeil.

In response to a rocket barrage fired by Hezbollah at northern Israel late Thursday, the IDF conducted strikes on buildings in the southern Lebanese towns of Khirbet Selm and Touline, which were identified as launch sites. Additionally, the military issued evacuation orders for residents of Deir Aames, from where the attacks originated, urging them to move at least a kilometer away due to Hezbollah's activities in the area.

These incidents occurred shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump announced a three-week extension of the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon. President Trump emphasized that Israel retains the right to act in self-defense. The IDF reported that since the truce began on April 17, over 30 Hezbollah operatives posing threats to troops have been eliminated, and hundreds of the group's sites have been destroyed.

Hezbollah has continued daily attacks on Israeli forces in southern Lebanon, claiming they are responses to alleged Israeli violations of the ceasefire. The group has utilized explosive-laden drones targeting Israeli troops, with some drones striking near forces without causing injuries. The IDF also confirmed that one of its drones was shot down by a Hezbollah anti-aircraft missile over Tyre, southern Lebanon, on Friday afternoon.

In a separate development, the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) reported the death of an Indonesian peacekeeper, Corporal Rico Pramudia, who succumbed to injuries sustained from an apparent Israeli strike on a UN base in Adchit Al Qusayr last month. UNIFIL stated that the incident is under investigation.

The ongoing hostilities have drawn criticism from local leaders. Metula Mayor David Azulay accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of yielding to President Trump's ceasefire extension, expressing concern over Israel's sovereignty. In response, Netanyahu asserted that Israel maintains full freedom of action against any threat in Lebanon and is determined to restore security to northern residents.

Lebanese lawmaker Mohammed Raad, head of Hezbollah's parliamentary bloc, called on Beirut to withdraw from direct talks with Israel, criticizing any truce that allows Israeli military actions as deceptive and covering up continued violations.

The situation remains tense, with both sides accusing each other of ceasefire violations, and international efforts to mediate a lasting peace facing significant challenges.