Israeli aircraft have been flying at low altitude over southern Lebanon and dropping thermal balloons containing potentially explosive and incendiary materials, Lebanon’s National News Agency (NNA) has reported.
The Lebanese army had previously warned residents against approaching or touching the balloons, saying that their contents pose a threat to civilians and that the devices could explode.
The reported activity has been taking place as Israeli military operations and tensions between Israel and Hezbollah continue in southern Lebanon.
The Israeli army also reported that it has launched an interceptor at a suspected aerial target detected near its troops in southern Lebanon.
The military did not provide further details about the target or confirm whether the interceptor had brought it down.
Meanwhile, Hezbollah leader Sheikh Naim Qassem rejected a United States (US)-sponsored framework agreement between Beirut and Israel, describing it as illegitimate and ruling out the disarmament of the group while Israeli occupation and attacks continue, according to state media reports.
In a statement addressing political developments in Lebanon and the wider region, Qassem argued that the proposed arrangement violates Lebanon’s constitution.
“There is no room for discussion about disarming the resistance as long as the occupation exists and its aggression continues,” he said, adding that Hezbollah will confront any aggression against the group and Lebanon.
The proposed framework calls for a gradual Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory, with Hezbollah’s disarmament required before the withdrawal is completed.
