JEBCHIT, LEBANON June 12, 2026 — An Israeli drone struck the town of Jebchit (also spelled Jibchit) in southern Lebanon’s Nabatieh district early Friday, according to Al Jazeera and local reports.
The strike occurred as cross-border tensions persist despite a U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon reached earlier in June 2026. That deal, contingent on Hezbollah halting attacks and withdrawing operatives from southern areas, has faced repeated challenges from both sides.
No immediate casualty figures were available for Friday’s incident. Jebchit has been targeted multiple times in recent weeks, with prior Israeli drone strikes in the Nabatieh region killing civilians and militants. The area lies near the Litani River, a key zone in ongoing security concerns.
The current truce framework emerged from high-level U.S.-mediated talks in early June. Israel and Lebanon agreed to renew the ceasefire, with provisions for “pilot” security zones in southern Lebanon barring Hezbollah activity. However, Hezbollah has pushed back against aspects of the deal, demanding a fuller Israeli withdrawal, while sporadic strikes continue.
Israeli officials have cited ongoing threats from Hezbollah as justification for targeted operations, while Lebanese sources describe the attacks as violations that undermine de-escalation efforts.
This latest strike comes against a backdrop of:
- Repeated Israeli operations in southern Lebanon targeting alleged Hezbollah infrastructure.
- Hezbollah drone and rocket activity, including recent incidents wounding Israeli forces.
- Broader diplomatic moves, including U.S. efforts linked to Iran negotiations.
The incident highlights the fragility of the ceasefire, now in its early implementation phase, with both sides accusing the other of breaches.
This story is developing. Further details on casualties, Israeli statements, or Hezbollah responses are expected in the coming hours.
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