The IDF Spokesperson authorized publication this morning (Thursday) that during an operational activity of IDF forces in southern Lebanon, two fighters were killed – Maj. (res.) Harel Birnstock and NCO Sgt. Maj. (res.) Tamir Vaknin. In addition, four fighters were seriously injured as a result of an explosive device detonated by the terrorist organization Hezbollah inside a booby-trapped house.
The condition of three of the wounded fighters is classified as serious, while the condition of another fighter is classified as critical. The IDF has updated the fighters’ families. It was also reported that senior political officials are currently discussing approving a significant response.
Meanwhile, tensions in the area are rising.
Last night, our forces launched a wave of targeted attacks in the area, “in response to a blatant violation by the Hezbollah terrorist organization” – this after the IDF issued an urgent evacuation notice to residents of the village of Al-Mansouri in southern Lebanon. At the same time, Lebanon reported one death and at least nine injuries in an attack on the village of Tibnin.
A military source explained that the village of Al-Mansouri is within the security area controlled by Israeli forces, where military activity is still taking place that endangers the lives of Lebanese civilians. The IDF evacuated them to protect their safety. According to the source, those civilians arrived at the scene under the auspices of the Lebanese army, which had set up a checkpoint in the area in violation of the agreements.
İsrail Hava Kuvvetleri, iki askerinin öldürüldüğü patlayıcı cihaz saldırısının ardından Güney Lübnan’daki El Mansuri köyünü hedef aldı. pic.twitter.com/e12vmEy34n
— BRİEFLY JOURNAL (@BrieflyHaber) August 5, 2026
The IDF spokesperson emphasized that the targeted attacks began in response to the terror group’s violations, and this was against the backdrop of a series of incidents in which Hezbollah violated the ceasefire in the area in recent times. Just a few days ago, the IDF confirmed that Hezbollah had launched an explosive drone at an engineering vehicle of Israeli forces in the Ali Taher Ridge area – an event that ended without casualties but constituted a blatant violation of the agreements. The IDF made it clear following these incidents that it would not allow terrorists to advance or carry out terrorist plots against the forces operating in the field.
Meanwhile, the Kfar Vradim local council stated its residents expect explosions to be heard following a series of attacks by our forces in the Lebanese region – but there is no change in the assessment of the situation or in the Home Front Command’s instructions to the public.
Earlier this week, Channel 14 Military and Security Analyst Noam Amir emphasized that despite talk of political understandings with the Lebanese government, Hezbollah on the ground is not stopping for a moment and is continuing its efforts to arm itself and its consistent attempts to reestablish itself in southern Lebanon. He added that the Lebanese army, which is supposed to be a balancing factor, is facing many difficulties in enforcement and has a limited ability to disarm the organization, which still controls large parts of the local army and a major traffic hub.
According to him, the grave concern of Lebanese army soldiers of booby-trapped structures prevents them from conducting searches, which leaves Hezbollah with virtually unhindered room to operate. Amir emphasized that, as of now, according to the intelligence and operational situation, the conclusion is unequivocal: the mission in Lebanon is not yet complete.