Israel Hits Vehicle in Baraashit, Drones Patrol Over Beirut and Dahieh

Tensions between Israel and Hezbollah continue to intensify following a new wave of drone strikes across southern Lebanon. On Friday, an Israeli unmanned aerial vehicle targeted a Renault Rapid vehicle in the town of Baraashit, killing one individual and injuring another, according to Lebanon’s Health Ministry.

While official confirmation of the victim’s identity has not been issued, regional broadcaster Al-Arabiya reported that the deceased was a member of Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed militant group operating throughout southern Lebanon.

Series of Escalating Strikes

The latest attack follows a string of overnight Israeli strikes that hit multiple locations across southern Lebanon. Among the targets were areas in the Iqlim al-Tuffah heights and the region between Ansar and al-Zrariyeh. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) claimed responsibility for the operation, stating that it had destroyed Hezbollah assets, including weapons storage sites and a rocket launch facility.

Meanwhile, Israeli surveillance drones were seen flying over Beirut and its southern suburbs—a Hezbollah stronghold—heightening fears of further military escalations.

These developments come shortly after U.S. envoy Tom Barrack visited Beirut for high-level discussions focused on Hezbollah’s disarmament. His visit aimed to de-escalate hostilities amid Israel’s continued control of five strategic hills in southern Lebanon and an ongoing campaign of targeted killings against individuals it accuses of being affiliated with Hezbollah.

Additional Attacks and Rising Fire Risk

Thursday also saw another drone strike near the southern border town of Aita al-Shaab, where one person was reportedly killed after a pickup truck was hit. Earlier that day, Israeli drones launched two missiles into a forested area on the outskirts of Beit Leef, igniting a fire and causing environmental damage in the already volatile region.

These consecutive strikes suggest a pattern of intensified military engagement, particularly focused on crippling Hezbollah’s operational capabilities. Though no formal declaration of expanded conflict has been made, the frequency and scope of Israeli operations, coupled with Hezbollah’s likely retaliation, point to a dangerously escalating situation.

As international diplomatic efforts push for calm, including ongoing appeals to de-escalate tensions along the Lebanon-Israel border, the path to resolution remains uncertain. With both sides appearing firmly entrenched and unwilling to concede, southern Lebanon is once again becoming a flashpoint in the broader regional conflict.