The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced an investigation today into the August 28 crash of one of its unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in Lebanon. The incident resulted in the death and injury of several Lebanese soldiers. "We regret the harm caused to the Lebanese soldiers," the IDF stated.

The incident was likely caused by a technical malfunction with the UAV. "The aircraft was en route to strike a site Hezbollah was rebuilding, in violation of the agreement between Israel and Lebanon, and not targeting Lebanese soldiers," the IDF explained.

Location of the residential area of Naqoura, southern Lebanon. Graphics: BBC

The Lebanese army reported that two soldiers were killed and two others injured while inspecting the crash site of the UAV in Naqoura, near the Israeli border.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun offered condolences to the families of the deceased and wounded soldiers, emphasizing that the army "is shedding blood to maintain stability in the south of the country."

The incident comes as Israel continues near-daily airstrikes against its neighbor, despite a ceasefire reached with Hezbollah in 11/2024.

The Security Council is voting on ending the mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). UNIFIL is scheduled to operate in southern Lebanon until the end of 2026, followed by an orderly and safe withdrawal in the following years.

Lebanese soldiers at the scene of an attack near the city of Sidon on 18/4. Photo: AFP

The decision to withdraw the peacekeeping force aims to make the Lebanese army the sole guarantor of security in the south of the country, a goal that is becoming increasingly complex due to the frequent presence of the Israeli army in some areas.

The US is pressuring the Lebanese government to agree to a plan to disarm Hezbollah. The armed group rejects the demand, arguing that such a move would only benefit Israel.

Nguyen Tien (According to AFP, AP, Times of Israel, Al Jazeera)