Daijiworld Media Network - Beirut
Beirut, Jun 7: Funerals were set to be held on Sunday for three Lebanese military officers killed in an Israeli strike in southern Lebanon, while Lebanon’s army chief travelled to Pakistan amid ongoing diplomatic efforts linked to the wider conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran.
The Lebanese Army said Brigadier General Wissam Sabra, Captain Elie Khoury and soldier Hussein Ghozal were killed on Saturday when an Israeli attack hit a military vehicle on the Khardali-Nabatieh road. The Israeli military said it was investigating the incident.
The deaths come despite a ceasefire agreed on April 17 between Israel and Hezbollah. Israel has continued to carry out strikes in Lebanon, while Hezbollah has launched retaliatory attacks. Lebanese authorities say thousands have been killed since hostilities resumed earlier this year.
Lebanese Army chief Rodolphe Haykal left for Pakistan on Saturday in a visit that has drawn attention as Islamabad continues mediation efforts between Washington and Tehran. The visit comes despite repeated assertions by US and Lebanese officials that Lebanon-related ceasefire negotiations remain separate from broader US-Iran talks.
Fresh violence was reported across southern Lebanon and the Bekaa region overnight. Hezbollah said it launched rockets, artillery fire and drone attacks targeting Israeli positions, while Israeli forces carried out air and artillery strikes on multiple towns.
Lebanon’s Ministry of Public Health said at least two people were killed and 22 injured, including children, in an Israeli raid on Saksakiyeh. Additional injuries were reported following drone attacks and shelling in several other areas.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned the killing of the military officers, saying it was aimed at undermining efforts to reach a political solution. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam described the attack as a “heinous crime” against Lebanon.
The latest escalation comes as international efforts continue to secure a broader agreement involving the US, Iran, Israel and Hezbollah, with a ceasefire in Lebanon remaining one of Tehran’s key conditions for a wider settlement.