TEHRAN – The Zionist regime admits major casualties in southern Lebanon after Hezbollah launches more retaliatory attacks over the regime’s ceasefire violations.
Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) admit 45 of its soldiers were injured in southern Lebanon in the past 48 hours alone. The IOF further acknowledged that since its illegal ground invasion began on March 2, the total number of wounded soldiers has risen to 735, including 44 in critical condition and 100 moderately wounded. Strict IOF censorship prevents independent verification, and the number of serious injuries is likely higher.
The regime’s media outlets reported that while the IOF is aware of multiple Hezbollah operations carried out over the past several days, it has chosen not to publicly disclose them, another sign of the Zionist regime’s censorship policy.
Hezbollah’s military media wing quoted the deputy director of Rambam Hospital in Haifa as saying, “We have many wounded here suffering from limb injuries due to the fierce battles in Lebanon. This truly reminds me of the days of the First and Second Lebanon Wars.”
The ceasefire agreement between Lebanon and the Zionist regime has been extended by three more weeks. According to Hebrew media, the extension has angered settler leaders in northern Israel, who fear their settlements could become a second “Gaza Envelope.”
On Friday, Hezbollah announced its fighters shot down a Zionist regime’s Hermes 450 (Zik) drone over the Tyre – Al Housh area using a surface-to-air missile, in response to the violations of Lebanese airspace. Separately, Hezbollah fighters targeted a gathering of IOF soldiers in Qantara with a raid, achieving a confirmed hit. That operation came in response to the regime’s attacks on civilians in the town of Tallin.
Hezbollah Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem stressed that a ceasefire means a complete halt to all hostile actions. He added that the resistance does not trust the Zionist regime and remains ready to respond to any violations.
Earlier, Hezbollah issued six statements.
First: “In response to the attack on civilians in At-Tiri town,” fighters targeted an IOF gathering in Taybeh town with appropriate weapons.
Second: “In response to the attack on civilians in At-Tiri town,” fighters targeted an IOF gathering in Taybeh with a loitering glider.
Third: “In response to the regime’s violation of Lebanese airspace,” fighters shot down an IOF reconnaissance drone in Majdal Zoun town.
Fourth: “In response to the regime’s targeting of the outskirts of Kounin town with artillery shells,” fighters targeted an IOF gathering of soldiers and vehicles near Jamil Bazzi School in Bint Jbeil with artillery shells.
Fifth: “In response to the demolition of homes in the villages of southern Lebanon,” fighters blew up an IOF bulldozer while it was demolishing homes in Rshaf town.
Sixth: “In response to the targeting of Yater town in southern Lebanon,” fighters targeted the Shtula settlement with a rocket barrage.
Suleiman Frangieh, head of Lebanon’s Marada Movement and a member of the Maronite Church (the largest Christian body in Lebanon), said Hezbollah’s resistance stems from occupation, and current developments in Southern Lebanon give it full legitimacy to continue.
Addressing Hezbollah’s resistance fighters, he said: “As a Maronite Christian Lebanese, I stand with you, and if history is fair, it will record your sacrifices and that you are defending the future of our children and this country. We must benefit from the achievements being made in the south.”
He emphasized that Hezbollah has proven its ability to stand firm, highlighting that the IOF was unable to enter southern Lebanese towns such as Bint Jbeil and Khiam, and that this has changed the rules of engagement.
Frangieh stressed that the United States acts pragmatically according to its interests, citing Vietnam, Afghanistan, and Syria as examples, where it abandoned allies when priorities changed, warning against relying on its guarantees.
He criticized Lebanon’s official reliance on Washington, calling it the Zionist regime’s main ally, and said: “We turn to a mediator we know prioritizes the other side,” emphasizing that the U.S. always acts in its own interest.
Frangieh said U.S. President Donald Trump is clear in his support for the Israeli regime and has fueled conflict in the region for the sake of Netanyahu. He questioned the logic of relying on the Zionist regime’s primary ally as a neutral mediator, asking why Lebanon is rushing into direct negotiations when indirect talks could continue.
He added that Washington’s pattern is to eventually abandon others, saying: “Do not ask if the Americans sell us out, but when they will do it.”
The Zionist regime’s direct talks with Lebanon were further criticized by Frangieh, who said no one rejects peace in principle, but asked: “What kind of peace?” He warned that direct negotiations, pushed without national consensus, are a major risk that could lead to disaster, internal conflict, or long-term war with the Israeli regime.
He blamed the Lebanese state for failing to hold meaningful national dialogue, arguing that one cannot be both sovereign and aligned with Zionism, since the Zionist regime does not recognize Lebanon’s existence. He called for inclusive internal dialogue, warning that the current path serves external interests and risks internal strife.
Meanwhile, outrage is growing after the IOF killed another Lebanese journalist. Amal Khalil of Al-Akhbar newspaper was targeted in an IOF airstrike along with other civilians in the southern town of Tayr Harfa. Her colleague Zeinab Faraj was seriously injured.
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) condemned the regime over Khalil’s killing. The CPJ said the Red Cross was granted “limited access” to the site under “active fire.” It evacuated Khalil’s wounded colleague Zeinab and two other civilians before being forced to withdraw.
