IDF conducts strikes in southern Lebanon as LAF continues to operate in pilot zones - report

The Israeli military conducted strikes in southern Lebanon on Wednesday, targeting areas including Mansouri, a municipality in the Tyre district, according to Israeli media citing Lebanese reports. The military later confirmed strikes in Mansouri.

The Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) issued a statement accusing the IDF of continuing "assaults and violations of existing agreements and international laws" in Nabatieh. The LAF claimed Israeli forces bombed a municipal building, a public school, a healthcare center, a daycare, and several private homes in the city, which is located about 50 km northeast of Tyre. The LAF asserted that these actions impede their efforts to operate within designated pilot zones and facilitate the return of southern Lebanese residents to their homes.

These strikes occur amidst a security pilot program launched on July 20, 2026, involving Israel, the United States, and the Lebanese Army. Under this initiative, the IDF began withdrawing from three villages, Bir al-Sana, Sarifa, and Zawtar al-Gharbiyah, transferring security responsibility to the LAF. The LAF is expected to clear these areas of Hezbollah operatives and weapons.

However, Israeli officials have expressed concerns that the Lebanese Army is not adequately disarming Hezbollah in the pilot areas, even weeks after the program's commencement. Reports indicate that Hezbollah's civilian arm has continued to operate in Zawtar al-Gharbiyah throughout the pilot program. Meanwhile, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun stated that negotiations with Israel are progressing, but reiterated that Lebanon would not accept a continued Israeli presence on its territory. He also noted that a framework agreement has helped reduce the scale of Israeli attacks on Lebanon.

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These actions consistently hinder the LAF's ability to operate in the pilot zones and work to return south Lebanese residents to their homes.