IDF Strikes Hezbollah Targets in Southern Lebanon After Drone, Rocket Exchanges

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu instructed the Israeli Defense Forces to strike Hezbollah targets with force on Saturday, following repeated attacks by the group that included a drone and two rockets launched in the afternoon. Rocket sirens sounded in northern Israeli towns as Hezbollah's drone and rockets prompted the IDF to label the actions a blatant violation of the ceasefire agreement.

The IDF intercepted the drone and one rocket, while the other fell in an open area, resulting in no casualties.

In southern Lebanon, where IDF forces were operating, troops intercepted a suspicious aerial target believed to be a Hezbollah drone. Hezbollah also launched several drones rigged with explosives at Israeli troops in the area, though no one was hurt. Israeli forces struck and killed three Hezbollah fighters riding an armed pickup truck inside their security zone in southern Lebanon on Saturday.

They also killed a terrorist traveling via motorcycle inside the security zone and two additional terrorists near the Litani River inside the security zone. More than 15 Hezbollah terrorists have been killed over the weekend, according to the IDF. Israeli forces struck Lebanese buildings used by Hezbollah forces, including a weapons depot containing a cache of anti-tank missiles.

The Israeli air force targeted Hezbollah rocket launchers in southern Lebanon. IDF forces detonated explosives planted inside buildings and vehicles used by Hezbollah terrorists. President Trump announced on Thursday that the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah would be extended for three weeks.

The peace talks mark the first time leaders from Israel and Lebanon have sat down directly since 1993. President Trump pledged that Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun will be traveling to the White House in the next couple of weeks. Israel and Lebanon have been in a formal state of war since the founding of the Jewish state in 1948.

Separately, Benjamin Netanyahu underwent surgery to remove a malignant tumour from his prostate. Benjamin Netanyahu said on Friday in a post on X that he is in excellent physical condition after the tumour removal.

Doctors found an early-stage malignant tumour in Benjamin Netanyahu during routine medical monitoring following surgery for an enlarged benign prostate. The tumour removed from Benjamin Netanyahu was a tiny spot of less than a centimetre.

Benjamin Netanyahu requested to delay publication of his health record to avoid release at the height of the US and Israel's war with Iran.