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Israeli Strike Near Sidon Kills Three, Lebanese Army Confirms Warrant Officer Among Dead

Israeli accusations of Hezbollah–army collusion face firm denials, with disarmament talks nearing a year-end milestone.

Overview

  • Lebanon’s Health Ministry, via the National News Agency, said an Israeli strike hit a vehicle on the Quneitra/Aatqanit road near Sidon, killing three people.
  • The Lebanese army confirmed Warrant Officer Ali Abdullah was among those killed in the attack on Monday.
  • Israel said the targets were Hezbollah operatives, alleging two were in an air-defence unit and one also served in army intelligence, claims rejected by Lebanon’s defence ministry and by Hezbollah.
  • Despite a November 2024 truce, Israel has conducted near-daily strikes in southern Lebanon; the UN reported at least 127 civilian deaths since the ceasefire and called for a prompt, impartial investigation.
  • Ceasefire-monitoring efforts continue with recent Naqoura meetings, a committee session set for January 7, Lebanese forces saying the first disarmament phase is near completion, and Israeli troops still holding five border outposts inside Lebanon.