The IDF announced Saturday night that three soldiers—an officer and two other troops—were severely wounded when an explosive drone struck their position in southern Lebanon overnight. The wounded were evacuated for medical treatment and their families have been notified.
The Prime Minister's Office published an unusual English-language statement during Shabbat itself, apparently recognizing that the incident required immediate public communication to preempt potential American criticism of Israel's military response. The statement referred to Israel's "security zone protecting Israeli communities across the border" and emphasized that Hezbollah had violated the ceasefire by attacking Israeli troops, and that the IDF had responded by striking the terror headquarters responsible for ordering the attack.
Speaking after Shabbat ended, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the attack, saying: "This morning Hezbollah violated the ceasefire in Lebanon and attacked our soldiers inside the Yellow Line. Three IDF soldiers were severely wounded in the attack."
Netanyahu added:
"In response, the IDF struck the Hezbollah terror headquarters from which the order to attack was issued. At the time, Hezbollah had civilians at the headquarters as human shields in order to falsely accuse Israel of deliberately targeting civilians."
the IDF is operating in accordance with the policy of the political echelon and is removing every threat to our forces and our citizens, both in Lebanon and in Gaza. We wish a speedy recovery to our wounded soldiers. The State of Israel will not tolerate any harm to its soldiers and will act forcefully against any threat."
