Israeli tank fire struck six locations in southern Lebanon on Thursday, just a day after a US and French-brokered ceasefire took effect between Israel and Hezbollah.
The Israeli military claimed the ceasefire was breached after spotting ‘suspects’, some in vehicles, in several areas of the southern zone.
Tank rounds hit Markaba, Wazzani, Kfarchouba, Khiyam, Taybe and the agricultural plains around Marjayoun, all within two kilometres of the border. Two people were wounded in Markaba, according to security sources.
The violence erupted as Lebanese families attempted to return to their homes near the southern border, despite Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu instructing the military not to allow residents back to border villages.
Israeli troops remain stationed within Lebanese territory, with surveillance drones flying over parts of southern Lebanon, according to Reuters reporters on the ground.
The ceasefire agreement, which temporarily ended 14 months of fighting, allows Israeli forces up to 60 days to withdraw from southern Lebanon. Under the terms, neither side can launch offensive operations.
Hezbollah has warned its fighters “remain fully equipped to deal with the aspirations and assaults of the Israeli enemy”. The group added it would monitor Israel’s withdrawal from Lebanon “with their hands on the trigger”.
Lebanon's parliament speaker Nabih Berri, who helped negotiate the deal, had earlier said residents could return home, contradicting Netanyahu's instructions.
The agreement marked a rare diplomatic success in the region, ending the deadliest confrontation between Israel and the Iran-backed militant group in years. However, Israel continues its military campaign against Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
Hezbollah has suffered significant losses during the conflict, including casualties and the death of its leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah and other commanders in Israeli strikes.
