An Israeli airstrike in southern Lebanon has resulted in the deaths of three Lebanese soldiers. The incident occurred as France hosted an international conference in Paris aimed at rallying support for Lebanese state forces, which are considered crucial for any diplomatic resolution to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.
The Lebanese soldiers were reportedly evacuating wounded individuals near the village of Yater when the strike took place. This area has been heavily targeted by Israel during its month-long offensive against Hezbollah, a conflict that has escalated in the wake of the Gaza war.
The Paris conference, led by French President Emmanuel Macron, seeks to mobilize humanitarian aid and bolster the Lebanese military, which has been significantly impacted by the conflict. The Lebanese army, trained and armed by the United States, plays a vital role in maintaining peace and stability in the region.
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has expressed concerns over the safety of Lebanese troops and urged Israel to take measures to protect both the Lebanese army and the UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon. Since the start of hostilities in 2023, 13 Lebanese soldiers have been killed on active duty, with an additional 16 losing their lives while off duty.
The Paris meeting is expected to reinforce the importance of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which ended the 2006 war between Hezbollah and Israel and calls for the deployment of the Lebanese army in southern Lebanon.
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