On March 28, 2026, a Lebanese soldier was killed in an Israeli air strike in the town of Deir El Zahrani in southern Lebanon. Lebanon’s National News Agency (NNA) has given this information quoting the army. Since this attack, tension has increased significantly in many areas of southern Lebanon, where continuous clashes are taking place between the Israeli army and Hezbollah.
Increasing attacks and losses in southern Lebanon
On March 28, Israeli airstrikes and artillery shelling killed seven people and injured 29 others in 36 cities, towns and areas across southern Lebanon. In addition to Der el Zahrani, Nabatieh, Bint Jbeil, Sarafand, Kfar Tebnit, Touline, Haniyeh, Haddatha, Doueir, Harouf, Kfar Sir, Yohmor al-Shaqif, Many cities like Zawtar al-Sharqiyah were targeted. An Israeli drone attack targeted a civilian vehicle in Jezzine, killing several people, including a woman. Tragically, journalists Ali Choeib and Fatima Ftouni, along with their videographer colleagues, lost their lives in an Israeli attack on a car in Jezzine.
At the same time, Hezbollah continued rocket and drone attacks on northern Israel. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said two Israeli soldiers were seriously injured and seven others suffered moderate injuries during clashes with Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. The IDF also announced that it had killed two senior members of Hezbollah’s communications unit in an attack in Beirut.
What is the opinion of officials and experts?
The Lebanese Health Ministry has described the Israeli attacks as “war crimes”. According to the ministry, at least 1,142 people have been killed and 3,315 injured in Israeli attacks since March 2. Health Minister Rakan Nasreddine said that 46 rescue workers and five medical workers have been killed by Israel since the conflict began on March 2.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun called the targeting of journalists a “blatant crime” and a violation of international humanitarian law. Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam also expressed similar sentiments and called it a “blatant violation of international humanitarian law.” The Israeli army, through its spokesman Avichay Adraee, has issued a warning to residents of seven areas of southern Lebanon (Maachouk, Burj al Shamali, Al Rashidiya, Deir Kifa, Qaquaiyat al Jisr, Wadi Jilo, and Al Bass) north of the Zahrani River. The army says that they intend to target Hezbollah positions. Human Rights Watch has also expressed concern over potential war crimes, including statements by Israeli officials to accelerate home demolitions and prevent Shia residents from returning to their homes in southern Lebanon.