Israeli airstrikes southern Lebanon

Beirut (dpa) — One person was killed and four others injured in a new Israeli drone strike in southern Lebanon, according to Lebanese sources.

The Health Ministry in Beirut confirmed the injuries, while security officials said the fatality was a member of Hezbollah.

The Israeli military has not yet commented on the incident.

There growing fears in Lebanon of a renewed war with Israel.

The Lebanese Cabinet is scheduled to meet on Tuesday, with talks expected to centre on the state’s authority over all weapons within its borders — specifically the disarmament of Hezbollah.

The Iran-backed group has so far rejected any binding agreement that includes a timetable for disarmament.

Although a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah has technically been in place since late November, Israeli forces have continued near-daily strikes in Lebanon, often resulting in casualties.

Hezbollah has stated it will not consider disarmament as long as these attacks persist.

Israeli troops also remain stationed at five positions in southern Lebanon despite the truce.

Lebanon faces mounting international pressure to rein in Hezbollah’s arsenal—a key demand from both Israel and the United States, who are acting as mediators in the ongoing stand-off.

Observers are sceptical that Tuesday’s Cabinet session will yield a breakthrough. Concerns are growing that if Hezbollah, which holds seats in the government, chooses to withdraw from the coalition, Lebanon could be plunged into a fresh political crisis.