Lebanon has alleged that an Israeli drone strike in the southern town of Bint Jbeil killed five individuals, including four U.S. citizens. Reports indicate the attack resulted in the deaths of three children. Lebanese officials initially claimed the victims included a father and his three children, all holding U.S. citizenship, but the U.S. State Department later denied these assertions.
The Israeli military stated it targeted a Hezbollah operative, acknowledging that “several uninvolved civilians” were also killed. A statement from the IDF expressed regret over civilian casualties and noted an ongoing review of the incident. Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Raji confirmed the death of a father and his children in a Mercedes car, while a motorcyclist targeted by the strike was also killed. The U.S. embassy clarified that the five deceased were not American citizens, though one had previously held an unused immigrant visa petition.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned the attack, urging international pressure on Israel to cease hostilities. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam described the strike as a “message of intimidation” against civilians returning to southern regions. The conflict between Hezbollah and Israel has previously displaced thousands in Lebanon, with a U.S.-brokered ceasefire aimed at halting further violence.
Pictures from the scene showed a destroyed Mercedes, while Lebanese officials emphasized the need for accountability. The IDF reiterated its focus on eliminating threats posed by Hezbollah, stating it would continue operations to protect Israeli interests.