Israel admits striking 500 sites in Lebanon during ceasefire, 5 soldiers killed

The Israeli military admitted on Tuesday that it has carried out strikes on about 500 locations in Lebanon since a ceasefire took effect on April 17, and that five Israeli soldiers have been killed and 33 others wounded by Hezbollah fire. “Five soldiers from the army and security forces were killed and 33 others injured since the ceasefire,” Army Radio reported, noting strict censorship over the full extent of losses. The broadcaster detailed that three soldiers were killed by explosive-laden drones, two by improvised explosive devices, 31 were injured by explosive devices, and two in direct clashes with Hezbollah fighters. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has described Hezbollah’s drones as a “major threat.”

No ceasefire in practice

According to the radio, Israeli aircraft struck about 500 areas since the truce began—all in southern Lebanon except for one target in the Bekaa region. “These figures demonstrate that there is no ceasefire in southern Lebanon,” Army Radio said. Despite the ceasefire announced on April 17 and extended until May 17, the Israeli army continues daily strikes and widespread demolition of homes in dozens of villages. Lebanon’s Health Ministry reported Monday that 17 people were killed in the past 24 hours, raising the death toll since March 2 to 2,696, with 8,264 injured.

Occupation and territorial advance

Israel occupies areas in southern Lebanon—some held for decades, others since the 2023-2024 war—and has advanced about 10 kilometers into Lebanese territory during the current offensive.