Two Israeli reserve soldiers were killed during combat in southern Lebanon, according to the Israeli military. The incident took place in the town of Majdal Zoun, in the Tyre district, following the detonation of an explosive device.
The Israeli military identified the deceased as Major Harel Birenstock, 34, a company commander in the 2855th battalion of the 55th brigade, and Chief Warrant Officer Tamir Vaknin, 33, a major in the same battalion.
An anonymous Israeli military official stated that an explosion detonated as the soldiers entered a site in the village of Majdal Zoun. Israeli media reported that the device detonated in a building the soldiers were attempting to search.
The Israeli military confirmed that four reservists sustained serious injuries during the incident and were evacuated to a hospital on Wednesday. This marks the first Israeli deaths in southern Lebanon since June 28.
Escalation in Lebanon and Diplomatic Friction
The Israeli military announced it began conducting targeted strikes on southern Lebanon in response to what it described as a flagrant violation of the ceasefire by Hezbollah. The army issued an evacuation warning for residents of Mansouri, which was the first such warning in weeks.
In the village of Burj al-Shemali, the Lebanese National News Agency reported a drone attack followed by an airstrike that injured four people.
Additionally, the Lebanese Health Ministry reported one person killed and 12 wounded in an Israeli strike on the town of Tebine on Wednesday.
Simultaneously, negotiations between Lebanon and Israel in Rome, Italy, concluded prematurely due to heightened tensions on the ground. The discussions, held under the auspices of the United States, involve the implementation of a June 26 agreement regarding Israeli withdrawal in exchange for Hezbollah's disarmament.
While Lebanon agreed to expand its delegation to discuss military, security, and economic issues at the request of the United States, Hezbollah rejects disarmament and negotiations with Israel.
Regional Developments and Energy Markets
In the Strait of Hormuz, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that a tanker master heard two explosions approximately ten miles southeast of Kumzar, Oman. The UKMTO confirmed the crew and vessel are safe and no environmental damage was reported.
Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei stated that Iran and Oman have reached an understanding regarding geographic coordinates for a shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz. He noted that a joint announcement is being finalized, provided third parties—identified by sources as Washington—do not interfere.
Iranian sources told local media that any reopening of the Strait of Hormuz waterway depends on the actions of Washington, which has imposed a blockade on Iranian ports.
Total number of people killed in Lebanon due to Israeli attacks since March 2, according to Lebanon's Health Ministry.
Oil prices trended lower on Thursday following progress in Iran-Oman talks. Brent crude futures fell 33 cents, or 0.42 percent, to $79.12 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) futures declined 42 cents, or 0.56 percent, to $74.80 a barrel.
