Hezbollah drone strike kills two Israeli soldiers in Metula

On Tuesday, the Israeli military reported the deaths of two soldiers in an attack by Hezbollah near Metula in northern Israel. The deceased were identified as Master Sgt. (res.) Dan Kamkagi and Master Sgt. (res.) Nahman Natan Hertz, both 31, from the 6551st Battalion of the 551st Brigade. The attack involved an explosive drone that Israel’s defense systems failed to intercept. An additional soldier sustained injuries during the incident.

In retaliation, Israeli forces conducted airstrikes on the southern Lebanese towns of Srebbine and Ayta al-Shaab, targeting about 15 military structures associated with Hezbollah. This response followed Hezbollah’s admission of the drone attack on Israeli troops.

The incident is part of a broader pattern of increasing hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, especially since the October 7 attack by Hamas, which triggered the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip. Hezbollah has intensified its attacks from Lebanon, prompting Israel to respond with deeper strikes into Lebanese territory.

On Monday, Israeli strikes in Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley injured three people, and Hezbollah responded with Katyusha rockets fired at an Israeli base in the Golan Heights. The escalating conflict has raised concerns about a potential full-scale war, reminiscent of the 2006 conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.

The ongoing violence has resulted in significant casualties and displacement. According to an AFP tally, nearly seven months of cross-border fighting have killed at least 390 people in Lebanon, including militants and over 70 civilians. On the Israeli side, 11 soldiers and nine civilians have been reported killed.

The situation has drawn international concern, with Dutch Foreign Minister Hanke Bruins Slot calling for a diplomatic resolution during a meeting in Beirut with her Lebanese counterpart. Bruins Slot expressed grave concerns about the rising tensions and the impact on Lebanon and the broader region.

Hezbollah, which is aligned with Hamas and backed by Iran, has indicated that its attacks on northern Israel will cease once the conflict with Hamas concludes.