Israel Katz questions IDF tactics after Lebanon blast as US reportedly blocks wider attack

Two IDF reservists, Maj. (res.) Harel Birenstock and Master-Sgt. (res.) Tamir Vaknin, were killed, and four others wounded, on Wednesday in Majdal Zoun, southern Lebanon, when an explosive device detonated in a booby-trapped building they entered. Lebanese outlet Nidaa Al-Watan reported that the United States intervened to prevent a wider Israeli retaliatory attack on Hezbollah, aiming to preserve ongoing ceasefire negotiations in Rome. Separately, Defense Minister Israel Katz questioned the tactical decision to enter the booby-trapped building, requesting reinforcement of operational directives to prioritize destroying terrorist infrastructure over entering such structures. The IDF is investigating the incident and is concerned Hezbollah may booby-trap more buildings in southern Lebanon.