Israeli soldier killed as occupation fuels south Lebanon violence

BEIRUT, Lebanon (MNTV) — One Israeli soldier was killed and three others wounded in southern Lebanon, where Israeli forces continue to occupy territory following their military intervention in the country.

AFP reported that the Israeli military identified the dead soldier as 21-year-old Captain Eliav Haim Tzapalamus of the 603rd Battalion.

The Israeli army has maintained a band of territory in southern Lebanon since invading in March, despite a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah reached in June.

Tzapalamus is the 17th Israeli soldier reported killed since that ceasefire, highlighting the continuing volatility produced by Israel’s military presence in Lebanese territory.

Israel and Lebanon have agreed to a framework involving the disarmament of Hezbollah, a gradual Israeli withdrawal and deployment of the Lebanese army in the area. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has supported avoiding a security vacuum and extending the mandate of UN peacekeepers.

The consequences of Israel’s military campaign have been far heavier for Lebanon. Lebanese official figures cited in the report put the number killed by Israeli airstrikes and ground operations since March at more than 4,300.

The continuing Israeli military presence and attacks have kept southern Lebanon trapped in a cycle of destruction and insecurity despite diplomatic efforts aimed at establishing a more stable post-ceasefire arrangement.