Israel concludes Lebanon mission amid clashes and Syrian rejection of intervention

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have concluded an eight-month mission in southern Lebanon. The 401st Brigade reported dismantling over 1,200 Hezbollah infrastructure sites, including underground tunnels, and locating more than 600 weapons. During the operation, an explosion in the city of Majdal Zoun killed two Israeli reservists and injured four others while soldiers were demolishing Hezbollah structures.

Following the explosion, the IDF resumed targeted strikes against Hezbollah targets, which officials described as a violation of the existing ceasefire. In Lebanon, the Ministry of Health reported one death and twelve injuries resulting from strikes in Tebnine.

Concurrently, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa expressed Syria's desire for regional stability and diplomacy. While acknowledging Syria's negative historical experiences with Iran, Sharaa stated that Syria is not a party to the current conflict against Iran or Hezbollah. He rejected potential US pressure for Syria to intervene in the region, emphasizing a focus on national reconstruction and economic development despite ongoing Israeli military incursions into Syrian territory.