An Israeli strike targeted a vehicle on a major highway linking Beirut to southern Lebanon on Wednesday, according to Lebanese state media, in the latest escalation despite an existing truce between Israel and Hezbollah.
Beirut (Lebanon): Lebanon’s National News Agency reported that the strike took place in the Jiyeh area, located around 20 kilometres south of Beirut.
The attack reportedly targeted a car travelling along the strategic coastal highway that connects the Lebanese capital to southern parts of the country.
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The incident comes just days after two similar strikes targeted vehicles on the same route on Saturday.
Israeli military operations intensify in south Lebanon
The latest strike came amid continued Israeli military operations in southern Lebanon linked to the broader regional conflict involving Iran, Hezbollah and Israel.
Reports indicated that Israeli forces carried out overnight bombing operations in the town of Khiam in southern Lebanon, accompanied by heavy machine gun fire.
Israeli soldiers also reportedly opened fire towards the Wadi al-Hujeir valley area and the outskirts of al-Ghandouriyeh on Wednesday morning.
The Wadi al-Hujeir valley and nearby towns in southern Lebanon have emerged as key conflict zones during the ongoing escalation.
The area holds major strategic importance because of its terrain and its role as a movement corridor in southern Lebanon.
Recent weeks have seen repeated Israeli airstrikes, artillery shelling and road-targeting operations in the region.
Earlier this month, Israeli strikes reportedly damaged key roads leading into the valley.
Truce under growing strain
The latest attacks underline the fragile nature of the truce between Israel and Hezbollah, with near-daily military activity continuing along the Lebanon-Israel border.
Cross-border tensions have intensified further amid the wider regional conflict linked to the ongoing Iran-Israel crisis.
Southern Lebanon has witnessed frequent drone strikes, artillery exchanges and targeted attacks despite periodic ceasefire discussions.
The developments come as fears grow of a broader regional conflict involving Israel, Iran and Iran-backed groups across the Middle East.
Security analysts have warned that continued military activity in southern Lebanon could further destabilise the region and risk drawing additional actors into the conflict.
(With AFP inputs)
Published: 13 May 2026, 12:42 pm IST
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