Lebanon says four dead in strike as Israel says targeted Palestinian group

An Israeli drone strike in eastern Lebanon resulted in the deaths of four individuals on Sunday evening, according to Lebanese state media. The strike targeted a vehicle near the Syrian border, specifically in the Majdal Anjar area of the Bekaa Valley, close to the Masnaa crossing. The Lebanese state-run National News Agency reported that four bodies were discovered inside the vehicle following the attack. This incident marks a continuation of Israel's cross-border operations, which have reportedly expanded despite a truce established in November 2024. Israel has stated that the strike was aimed at operatives from the Palestinian militant group Islamic Jihad. This operation is significant as it appears to be the first strike that Israel has publicly claimed in Lebanon against Islamic Jihad since the truce was put in place. The ongoing military actions have raised concerns about the violation of the ceasefire, which was intended to halt hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah. The Israeli military has been conducting regular strikes in Lebanon, with reports indicating that more than 370 people have been killed since the ceasefire was established in late 2024. The situation remains tense as the Israeli forces continue their operations along the Lebanon-Syria border, further complicating the regional security landscape.