IDF: Hezbollah bomb kills two Israeli reservists in southern Lebanon
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are investigating an explosion in the southern Lebanese village of Majdal Zoun last Wednesday that killed two Israeli reservists. The prevailing assessment is that the blast was caused by a legacy Hezbollah bomb planted before the ceasefire came into effect. The victims were identified as Major Harel Birnstock, 34, from Nokdim, and Master Sergeant Tamir Vaknin, 33, from Eilat, both of the 55th Paratroopers Brigade’s 2855th Battalion. According to Ynet, the IDF believes with high confidence that the device was placed before the ceasefire and went undetected by Israeli forces who had been operating in the building in recent weeks. This has prompted a wider investigation into the incident. While military officials view the soldiers' deaths as a violation of the ceasefire agreement, Israeli political leaders have not publicly echoed this characterisation. The IDF further alleges that Hezbollah continues to fly reconnaissance drones and attempt to move weapons in parts of southern Lebanon. Ynet reported that the military did not disclose a separate incident in which Hezbollah launched an explosive drone at Israeli forces, which resulted in no casualties or damage. An IDF spokesperson stated that the military does not release information that could compromise operational security. Despite these activities, the IDF says it aims to maintain the current framework in southern Lebanon, particularly as focus shifts toward developments involving Iran. A primary concern is the return of Lebanese civilians to the village of Al-Mansouri, which is under the control of the Lebanese Armed Forces. The IDF maintains fire control over the area but lacks a permanent physical presence inside the village. Nearly half of Al-Mansouri’s infrastructure has been destroyed. The IDF has struck positions in the village multiple times over the past month, claiming to have killed seven Hezbollah members who entered the area. To prevent civilian returns to active combat zones, the IDF has distributed leaflets warning that the area remains dangerous. The military is currently operating under constraints as it attempts to pilot the transfer of control in deep southern Lebanon to the Lebanese Army. The IDF is preparing for a prolonged presence in parts of the region, reinforcing positions based on topographical assessments. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the northern front at a cabinet meeting, stating that Israel has acted with force in Lebanon in recent days to eliminate threats, though he declined to provide further operational details.