Lebanon’s army says it has ordered its forces to return fire after Israeli forces targeted an observation post under construction in the southern Marjayoun district.
In a post on X, the army said the incident took place on Feb. 24 when a low-flying Israeli drone flew overhead, issuing warnings aimed at forcing Lebanese personnel to vacate the site. The army said Israel carried out the attack near the position and that it had instructed troops to hold their ground.
“The army command issued orders to reinforce the post, remain there, and return fire,” the Lebanese army said, without providing further details on how the attack was carried out.
The Israeli military did not immediately comment on the incident.
The confrontation comes despite a November 2024 ceasefire intended to end hostilities between Israel and the Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah. Israel, however, continues to occupy five positions in southern Lebanon and has maintained regular strikes in the area.
Lebanese officials have repeatedly condemned Israel for violating the ceasefire. The Lebanese government says more than 2,000 Israeli violations were recorded in the final three months of 2025 alone. In November, the United Nations reported that at least 127 civilians had been killed in Israeli attacks on Lebanon since the truce came into effect.
In October 2023, Israel launched military attacks on Lebanon, which escalated into a full-blown war by September 2024, leading to over 4,000 fatalities and approximately 17,000 injuries.
Lebanese authorities have invariably called for pressure on Tel Aviv to stop its assaults and adhere to the ceasefire conditions. They are demanding the removal of Israeli troops from the territories seized in the last war.
Tensions have also heightened due to regional dynamics, particularly the risk of confrontation between the United States and Iran.
In January, Hezbollah Secretary General Naim Qassem said in a televised address that the movement would not “remain neutral” in the event of a confrontation between the United States and Iran.
The escalating rhetoric has led to precautionary measures by Washington, with a senior U.S. State Department official saying on February 23 that non-essential government personnel and eligible family members are being withdrawn from the U.S. Embassy in Beirut due to security concerns.
U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened military action against Iran since early January, following his public support for foreign-linked riots in Iran. Trump has since ordered a significant military buildup in regional waters near Iran and warned of strikes if Tehran does not accept a deal on U.S. terms.
Iranian officials have reiterated their readiness for a fair agreement on the country’s nuclear program but warned that even a limited attack would trigger a decisive response.
The United States and Iran are expected to hold a third round of talks in Geneva on February 26, as diplomatic efforts continue to prevent a broader regional escalation. (PressTV.ir)