Three killed in Israeli strikes as Israel expands control zone in southern Lebanon
Three civilians were killed in Israeli attacks in Lebanon's Nabatieh governorate while Israel announced an expanded security zone in the south, despite ongoing U.S. diplomatic talks about troop deployment.
Three people were killed in Israeli strikes in Lebanon's Nabatieh governorate on Thursday, the Lebanese National News Agency reported. Two victims died when a vehicle was hit in Kfar Tebnit and another was killed in a separate strike in Zebdine, which Al Mayadeen said was carried out by an Israeli drone.
Israel's military released a new map showing its forces operating several kilometres deeper into southern Lebanon, including near the Hezbollah stronghold of Nabatieh north of the Litani River. The map labels the area as a "security zone" where IDF soldiers are active. Israeli officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said talks with the United States over the continued deployment are "stubborn" and that the outcome may depend on whether President Trump pressures Israel to comply with an interim pact that calls for an end to fighting on all fronts, including Lebanon.
The United States, represented by Vice President JD Vance, defended the U.S.-Iran agreement and warned against using force to solve security issues, noting that Israel has not yet criticized the deal directly. Vance described the reaction among some Israeli officials as a "weird panic" and said the United States retains financial leverage over Iran.
Hezbollah has continued to fire at Israeli positions, using explosive drones that have caused Israeli casualties. Despite reports of a reduced overall volume of strikes, Israel maintains that its operations will continue in the Nabatieh governorate and around the Ali al-Tahar Ridge north of the recently seized Beaufort Castle.