As the Rome talks stall between Israel and Lebanon, the IDF looks to be scaling up their operations within occupied southern Lebanon, leading to new civilian casualties as well as an incident in which the IDF troops themselves died in an explosion.
An Israeli drone attacked the prayer hall in the town of Tebnine’s town cemetery today, collapsing the roof and killing one person, while wounding at least 11 others. The IDF said the strike was part of the operation against Hezbollah for ceasefire violations, though there is as yet no indication any of the casualties had anything to do with Hezbollah.
Further west, in Majdal Zoun, Israeli troops suffered casualties while inside a building when an explosive device, according to some reports a landmine, detonated. Two soldiers were killed and seven were wounded. One of the wounded is in critical condition.
Plumes of smoke billow from southern Lebanon following Israeli strikes in Nabatieh, Lebanon May 25, 2026. REUTERS/Stringer TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
Israel reportedly carried out attacks elsewhere across southern Lebanon, and scaled up their demolitions in the far south of the country. The village of Mansouri was also ordered evacuated, where they accused civilians of violating the Israel-Lebanon agreement by attempting to return to their homes.
The seventh round of talks in Rome looks to be falling off the rails at this point as well, with Israeli Ambassador Yechiel Leiter accusing the Lebanese delegation of “misleading leaks.” He did not elaborate on what was even alleged to have leaked, but the talks were halted early.
Meanwhile, Israeli troops in the Ghajar border area were reportedly scrambling to capture Israeli settlers who attempted to cross into Lebanese territory there to establish a settlement. Initial reports suggested that the settlers were entirely teenage girls, though later reports suggested there were at least a handful of adults with them, along with toddlers.
The settlers were reported from a religious Zionist organization that believes southern Lebanon necessarily belongs to the Jews. They are similarly arguing that it’s necessary right now because of the active occupation to secure Israel’s territorial gains permanently.
