BEIRUT, (PIC)
An Israeli soldier was killed and several others were injured in ongoing clashes in southern Lebanon, as Iranian missile attacks simultaneously struck multiple areas in Israel on Thursday, wounding at least six people and causing widespread damage.
Israeli forces said the soldier, from a reconnaissance unit in the Golani Brigade, was killed during ground operations in southern Lebanon. Additional troops were wounded, including one seriously, as fighting intensified along the border amid expanding Israeli military operations.
At the same time, Iranian missile barrages targeted cities including Tel Aviv, Petah Tikva, Kafr Qasim, Jerusalem, and Haifa, as well as settlements in the northern West Bank. Israeli emergency services reported at least six injuries, while shrapnel from intercepted missiles damaged homes.
In Kafr Qasim, local officials said the damage was caused by cluster-type munitions. A missile targeting Haifa triggered explosions during interception attempts, with reports of a building being hit.
The Iranian Revolutionary Guard announced the 82nd wave of its “True Promise 4” operation, targeting US military assets at four bases in the region and Israeli military sites, reportedly in coordination with Hezbollah.
A surface-to-sea missile strike also forced the US aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln to change its position.
Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes hit targets inside Iran, including Bandar Abbas and infrastructure in Isfahan. Iranian media reported that two children were martyred in strikes near Shiraz.
In Lebanon, Israeli air and artillery strikes targeted multiple areas, including Ainata, Bint Jbeil, and Nabatieh, where at least eight people were injured in one attack.
Ground operations continued along the border, with attempts to advance beyond frontline villages amid direct clashes with Hezbollah fighters.
Hezbollah said it carried out more than 22 attacks within 24 hours using missiles, drones, and artillery, targeting Israeli military sites, including the Kirya headquarters in Tel Aviv, as well as tanks and troop positions.
The group also reported close range engagements, indicating a sharp escalation in ground combat.
Politically, tensions remain high as Washington described ongoing contacts with Iran as “productive,” while Tehran denied any negotiations and vowed to continue its response.
White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt warned that Iran must concede or face severe consequences, stressing that “all options remain on the table.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the army is working to expand a buffer zone in southern Lebanon, reaffirming that dismantling Hezbollah remains a central objective.
Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem rejected any negotiations “under fire,” insisting the group will continue fighting.
The developments highlight a rapidly expanding regional conflict, linking Iranian missile strikes with intensifying ground battles in Lebanon.