Israeli Drone Strike Kills Two in Southern Lebanon

An Israeli drone strike killed two people in southern Lebanon on Wednesday when it targeted a vehicle near the town of Kfar Rumman, Lebanese state media reported. Lebanon's National News Agency said the strike hit the vehicle and left two people dead.

Hezbollah stated that the attack was the second deliberate strike on Lebanese citizens inspecting their homes in less than 48 hours. The Israeli military said it had targeted two armed Hezbollah members near Ali al-Taher Ridge who posed a threat, then struck a vehicle carrying suspects crossing the security zone in the same area.

Hezbollah said the actions constitute a blatant violation of the ceasefire agreement and that it is documenting the incidents. The group had drawn Lebanon into the wider conflict on March 2 with rocket fire at Israel. Israeli officials said they will continue operations to remove immediate threats.

Israel's defense minister stated that troops will remain in southern Lebanon and that there is no American demand for withdrawal.

Qatar announced on Monday that Iran and the United States agreed to establish a de-confliction cell to limit flare-ups in Lebanon. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said on Wednesday that talks in Washington between Lebanese and Israeli officials are separate from the Switzerland meetings between the United States and Iran.

A new round of direct talks between Lebanese and Israeli officials began on Tuesday under U.S. pressure.