Daijiworld Media Network – Tel Aviv

Tel Aviv, May 3: The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) on Sunday said it had eliminated two armed Hezbollah operatives in southern Lebanon, alleging that they posed an “imminent threat” to its troops.

In a statement shared on X, the IDF said the operatives were targeted south of the Forward Defence Line. It added that additional militants identified inside nearby structures were also killed in a subsequent strike.

IDF spokesperson Avichay Adraee said Israeli forces continue operations in the region aimed at neutralising threats along the border.

Meanwhile, the Israeli military on Saturday carried out a series of airstrikes on what it described as Hezbollah-linked targets in southern Lebanon. According to Adraee, around 70 buildings used for military purposes and nearly 50 infrastructure sites associated with Hezbollah were destroyed in the strikes.

The targets reportedly included command centres, weapons depots and other facilities allegedly used to plan and carry out attacks against Israeli forces and civilians.

Hezbollah, a Shi’ite group based in Lebanon, has been engaged in conflict with Israel for decades and is designated as a terrorist organisation by several countries, including the United States, Israel and Canada.

The latest escalation comes amid hardening rhetoric from Hezbollah leadership. The group’s chief Naim Qassem recently ruled out direct negotiations with Israel, reiterating its stance of continued resistance.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has also warned that Israel would respond forcefully to any threats, stating that the ceasefire arrangement in Lebanon is being undermined.

The developments follow a recent announcement by US President Donald Trump extending the ceasefire period by three weeks, with Washington indicating efforts to support Lebanon in countering Hezbollah’s influence.