Lebanese Soldier Dies, Army Post Comes Under Israeli Shelling, For 1st Time In The Conflict
Lebanese Soldier Dies, Army Post Comes Under Israeli Shelling, For 1st Time In The Conflict There’s been a major escalation on the southern Lebanese border for which Israel has issued a very rare apology, following eight weeks of conflict related to the Gaza war. On Tuesday Israeli shelling in response to ongoing Hezbollah rocket and mortar attacks killed a Lebanese Army soldier – a first in the conflict. Three other soldiers were wounded in the mortar attack. It comes after repeat warnings from Israeli officials, including PM Benjamin Netanyahu, that all of Lebanon could suffer if Hezbollah persists in escalating the attacks. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) issued a statement to “express regret” for killing the Lebanese soldier, and explained in a post on X that its fire had targeted a known launch area used by Hezbollah. Illustrative: AFP file image The incident marks the first time a member of the armed forces of a sovereign country bordering Israel has died by direct Israeli fire since the Gaza war began. The US expressed concern over the death, with a government official telling Al Arabiya English, “The Lebanese Armed Forces is an essential institution, not only to the stability and security of Lebanon, but of the entire region.” And France condemned it, saying in a statement: “France is gravely concerned by the ongoing clashes on the border between Lebanon and Israel. France condemns the Israeli strike which cost the life of a member of the Lebanese armed forces, and sends its sincere condolences to the victim’s relatives,” a spokesperson in a daily briefing. So far, dozens of Hezbollah fighter have been killed, but also civilians and at least one journalist. On the other side, Hezbollah attacks have killed and wounded Israeli troops and civilians. Israel has evacuated dozens of communities that lie within
