An Israeli drone strike in southern Lebanon killed two people on Sunday, January 4, 2026, according to the Lebanese Ministry of Health. The attack targeted a car in the Ayn al-Mizrab area, north of Bint Jbeil, and caused damage to nearby buildings, reports Al Jazeera correspondent Ihab al-Aqdi.

The Israeli military stated that the strike targeted a Hezbollah member, accusing the Lebanese group of failing to adhere to the ceasefire agreement that ended the 2023–2024 conflict in November 2024.

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Background: Israeli Attacks on Lebanon

Since the ceasefire, Israel has continued to conduct air and drone strikes across southern Lebanon, despite international agreements. These attacks follow a yearlong war that severely devastated Lebanon, including significant damage to civilian infrastructure and the loss of Hezbollah leadership, such as Hassan Nasrallah, killed in an Israeli strike on Beirut in September 2024.

To date, Israeli attacks have killed over 300 people in Lebanon, including at least 127 civilians, highlighting ongoing tensions in the region.

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Hezbollah, Israel, and the Disarmament Issue

Israel, backed by the United States, continues to demand that Hezbollah disarm, citing concerns over the group’s growing arsenal and alleged Iranian support. However, Hezbollah has refused to comply, placing the Lebanese government and army in a difficult position:

• They must appease Israel and the US.
• Avoid a direct military confrontation with Hezbollah, which remains powerful despite previous losses.

The Lebanese government is expected to hold a meeting on Tuesday to review army progress on disarming Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. The plan, initially scheduled to conclude in 2025, faces strong opposition from Hezbollah, which has resisted disarmament efforts nationwide.

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International Monitoring and Diplomatic Response

A ceasefire monitoring committee, consisting of representatives from Lebanon, Israel, France, the US, and the United Nations, is scheduled to meet in the coming week to review the latest incidents and evaluate compliance with the 2024 ceasefire.

Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Saar emphasized that Lebanon’s efforts to disarm Hezbollah were “far from sufficient”, warning that the group is attempting to rearm with Iranian assistance, further complicating regional security dynamics.

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Key Takeaways

• Israel’s drone strike in southern Lebanon killed two individuals and damaged nearby buildings.
• The attack targeted a Hezbollah member, continuing violations of the 2024 ceasefire.
• Over 300 people have died in Israeli attacks in Lebanon since the ceasefire, including civilians.
• Disarmament of Hezbollah remains a contentious issue, with Iran allegedly providing support.
• A ceasefire monitoring committee and upcoming Lebanese government meetings aim to address the escalating tensions.