Fatal drone strikes hit Ain Baal, Beit Hillel; casualties reported

Three Israeli soldiers were injured on Tuesday when two suicide drones, launched from Lebanon, struck the northern Israeli community of Beit Hillel, according to Israeli media.

The Israeli military verified the attack, stating that “two armed” drones crossed into northern Israel and detonated near the community. “The incident is currently under investigation,” a military spokesperson announced.

Hezbollah openly acknowledged orchestrating the drone strike, claiming that the drones were aimed at the missile defense system in Beit Hillel, specifically targeting the Iron Dome launch pads and causing casualties.

In a separate incident, an Israeli drone attacked a vehicle in the town of Ain Baal in the Tyre district of Lebanon, resulting in one fatality and two injuries. Additionally, Israeli artillery targeted the southern Lebanese town of Khiam.

Further escalation occurred overnight when Israeli fighter jets bombed a three-story residence in the southern Lebanese town of Hanine.

Hezbollah also reported targeting an Israeli military post at Berkat Risha in northern Israel on the same day.

Despite the ongoing conflict primarily being confined to the border areas, it has resulted in significant casualties. At least 364 people have died in Lebanon, predominantly Hezbollah combatants, with civilians accounting for at least 70 of the deaths.

On the Israeli side, the conflict has claimed the lives of 10 soldiers and 8 civilians, as reported by the Israeli military.

The ongoing hostilities have also forced tens of thousands of civilians to flee their homes from both Lebanon and Israel.