Tel Aviv

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday pledged a forceful response against Hezbollah after four Israeli soldiers, including a tank battalion commander, were killed in what Israel described as a drone attack in southern Lebanon.

Expressing condolences to the families of the deceased, Netanyahu said Israel would not tolerate attacks on its troops and accused Hezbollah of breaching the ceasefire agreement. He also wished a speedy recovery to those injured in the incident.

According to Israeli authorities, the attack claimed the life of Lieutenant Colonel Dor Gadliah Ben Simhon, commander of the 52nd Armored Battalion, along with three other soldiers whose identities had not yet been released.

In a statement posted on social media, Netanyahu said he had ordered the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to respond decisively following what he termed a serious violation of the ceasefire.

Israeli officials said the military subsequently carried out extensive operations targeting Hezbollah positions. Netanyahu stated that more than 80 sites linked to the group were struck and dozens of militants were killed. He added that Israeli forces also targeted Hezbollah headquarters in Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley on Friday morning.

Following consultations with Defence Minister and senior military officials, Netanyahu reiterated that Israel would continue taking action against any threat to its security. He stressed that Israeli troops would remain stationed in the security zone in southern Lebanon for as long as necessary to safeguard communities in northern Israel.

The Prime Minister said the government’s position was unequivocal and warned that Hezbollah would face severe consequences for attacks against Israeli territory or military personnel.

The latest escalation comes amid continued tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border. According to reports, Israeli airstrikes carried out across Lebanon on Friday left at least 16 people dead and several others injured.

The IDF said the overnight strikes were launched in response to what it described as repeated ceasefire violations by Hezbollah. Israeli military officials alleged that the group continued to develop operational capabilities and plan attacks against Israeli forces.

In a separate incident on Thursday night, five Israeli soldiers were wounded, one of them seriously, when an explosive-laden drone reportedly launched by Hezbollah struck troops from the Commando Brigade in Kfar Tebnit, according to Israeli military sources.

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The renewed hostilities come despite broader regional efforts aimed at reducing tensions and promoting a cessation of violence between Israel and Lebanon.