Israeli army attacks suspected Hezbollah militants in Lebanon despite ceasefire; new round of negotiations begins

The Israeli army confirmed Tuesday that its forces fired upon four individuals traveling in a bulldozer and on a motorcycle in southern Lebanon, identifying them as Hezbollah militants. The incident took place in the Ali Taher hills, near Nabatieh al Fawqa, after the individuals allegedly crossed a security perimeter established by Israeli troops.

A military spokesperson stated that the individuals were approaching the soldiers and posed an immediate threat, prompting the firing. The exact number of casualties remains unknown, though Lebanon's Ministry of Public Health has confirmed two deaths. According to the Lebanese National News Agency, Israeli soldiers opened fire with machine guns on the group near a road construction site.

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the individuals crossed the 'security' perimeter that the troops maintain in the neighboring country and that it was then that they fired, as they were approaching the soldiers 'representing an immediate threat'.

These clashes occur amid a new round of peace negotiations between Israel and Lebanon, mediated by the United States in Washington. The delegations, led by their respective ambassadors, are expected to discuss military and political issues over three days. This marks the fifth round of talks this year between the two neighboring countries, which lack diplomatic relations.

The situation remains tense, with reports of significant casualties in southern Lebanon following recent Israeli offensives. The Lebanese Ministry of Public Health has reported over 4,190 deaths and more than 12,170 injuries since the Israeli offensive began on March 2. The ongoing conflict and negotiations highlight the fragile state of security in the region.

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soldiers opened fire with their machine guns against a group of people 'near a bulldozer that was working on the construction of a road'.