Published August 6th, 2026 - 07:11 GMT
ALBAWABA - The Israeli Army confirmed the death of two soldiers in southern Lebanon on Thursday, saying they were killed in combat on Wednesday.The military identified the two reservist soldiers as Major Harel Birenstock, 34, and Sergeant Major Tamir Vaknin, 33, of the 2855th Battalion, 55th Brigade.Today, the Israeli military announced its first military fatalities in southern Lebanon since June 28, as it carried out airstrikes on Beirut.The incidents came amid the ongoing US-backed talks between Lebanon and Israel in Rome, Italy, which aim to end the conflict and reach a peace deal.Israeli battle tanks deploy in the village of Zawtar al-Sharqiyah (Eastern Zawtar) in southern Lebanon as pictured from the nearby village of Zawtar al-Gharbiyah (Western Zawtar) on August 2, 2026. Photo by AMMAR AMMAR / AFPIsrael claimed the airstrikes came in response to a "blatant violation" of the ceasefire by the Hezbollah group.It said in a statement, "In response to a blatant violation of the ceasefire by the Hezbollah terrorist organisation, the IDF has begun conducting precise strikes in southern Lebanon."The army also ordered the evacuation of the town of Mansouri in the south on Wednesday ahead of a possible strike.
