Israeli Strike Kills 3 Lebanese Soldiers

The Lebanese Army reported that an Israeli airstrike targeted one of its military bases in the southern town of Sarafand late Tuesday, resulting in the deaths of three Lebanese soldiers. At least 17 others were injured, including nearby civilians, according to the Health Ministry.

So far, the war between Israel and Hezbollah has claimed the lives of 41 Lebanese soldiers. While the Lebanese Army has largely stayed out of the conflict, it could play a significant role in securing a potential U.N. buffer zone in southern Lebanon if a ceasefire is established.

The Israeli military has not yet commented on the strike, which is part of a series of attacks on Lebanese military positions. On Sunday, Israel targeted an army post in Mari, Hasbaya province, killing two soldiers and seriously injuring three.

In response to these ongoing attacks, the Lebanese government announced plans on Monday to file a formal complaint with the U.N. Security Council, accusing Israel of repeatedly violating international law.

Before Tuesday’s airstrike, Lebanese Army spokesperson Col. Fadi Eid had reported that 38 soldiers had died since the war began in 2023. The Health Ministry also reported that 28 people were killed on Monday, raising the national death toll to at least 3,544, with 15,036 others wounded.