Israel steps up attacks in southern Lebanon as drones fly over Beirut despite US-mediated framework agreement

Israel intensified military operations in southern Lebanon overnight Wednesday and into Thursday morning, conducting drone strikes and detonating explosives in several towns, according to Lebanon's National News Agency (NNA). Israeli drones were also observed flying over Beirut and its southern suburbs. These actions occurred despite a US-sponsored "framework formula" agreement signed on June 26, which outlines a gradual Israeli withdrawal from occupied Lebanese territory in exchange for Lebanese army deployment and disarmament of armed groups. Residents of Tyre reported powerful explosions as Israeli forces detonated explosives in areas including Mansouri, Majdal Zoun, and Mazraat Beit al-Sayyad, coinciding with machine-gun fire. No casualties or damage were immediately reported. The Lebanese army had begun deploying in Zawtar al-Gharbiyeh on July 21 as part of the agreement's first phase, but Israel continues to occupy parts of southern Lebanon and advanced over 10 kilometers into Lebanese territory during these latest operations.