Hezbollah continues attacks on Israel, IDF captain killed amid ceasefire reports

Hezbollah announced on Thursday that its fighters carried out several attacks targeting Israeli forces and positions within Lebanese territory. The group stated its primary focus was on Israeli troop and vehicle concentrations in southern Lebanon, including areas like Yohmor al-Shaqif, Rashaf, al-Qantara, and Khiam.

According to a statement, Israeli troop gatherings were repeatedly targeted with rocket barrages and drone attacks. The area near the historic Beaufort Castle emerged as a significant flashpoint, where Hezbollah claimed to have launched sustained artillery fire, massive rocket attacks, and drone strikes against Israeli command posts and troop concentrations. The group also reported destroying several Israeli Merkava tanks.

The Times of Israel reported that an Israeli officer was killed by an anti-tank missile fired by Hezbollah in southern Lebanon on Thursday. The military identified the deceased officer as a captain from the 75th Battalion of the 7th Armored Brigade. The incident occurred around 4 p.m. when a Hezbollah operative fired an anti-tank missile at an Israeli tank operating north of the Litani River, resulting in the captain's death.

Despite a joint announcement on Thursday by Lebanon, the United States, and Israel regarding a ceasefire agreement, Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem rejected it. Qassem asserted that Hezbollah would continue its confrontation with Israel as long as Israeli aggression continues. The ceasefire's implementation is reportedly contingent on Hezbollah ceasing all fire and withdrawing its members from the area south of the Litani River. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun indicated that the U.S. would determine the timing and mechanism for the ceasefire's implementation, which could begin within 24 hours of approval.