France condemns ‘Israeli strike’ that killed Lebanese soldier

France on Wednesday deplored an Israeli strike that killed a Lebanese soldier, the first since October 8, marking the start of almost daily gun battles along the border between Israel and Hezbollah, the Lebanese armed movement allied with Palestinian Hamas.

France is “deeply concerned by the continuation of clashes on the border between Lebanon and Israel,” a Quai d’Orsay spokesman added in a press release, calling on “all parties” for “the greatest restraint.” a regional conflagration from which Lebanon will not be able to recover.” The Israeli army claims it did not attack Lebanese armed forces, but Hezbollah positions.

On this occasion, Paris “reaffirms its support for the Lebanese Army, guarantor of the country’s unity and stability. “It recalls its commitment to Lebanese sovereignty and the full implementation by all concerned of UN Security Council Resolution 1701.” Quai d’Orsay believes that “these clashes affect the security of UNIFIL, whose ability to operate and safety must be absolutely preserved.”

Israel expresses ‘regret over the incident’

In a statement Tuesday, the Lebanese army stationed in the border area said the “Israeli enemy bombed” one of its military posts in the Aadaisse area, “killing one soldier and wounding three others.”

The Israeli army acknowledged the incident and said it struck positions of the Lebanese armed movement Hezbollah “to eliminate the immediate threat.” “The Lebanese Armed Forces were not the target of the strike,” the Israeli army said on X (formerly Twitter), expressing “regret over the incident.”

There are almost daily exchanges of fire on the border between Israel and Hezbollah following the deadly Hamas incursion between Israel. Border violence in Lebanon has killed more than 110 people, including most Hezbollah fighters and more than 14 civilians, including three journalists, according to AFP.

At least six Israeli soldiers and three civilians were killed in Israel in attacks originating from Lebanon, authorities said. The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), stationed in the south of the country, was also bombed several times.

A powerful pro-Iranian armed movement on Tuesday claimed responsibility for a series of attacks on Israeli troops and positions in the border region. Israel is bombing border areas, claiming to be targeting Hezbollah infrastructure.

IDF wants to make Hezbollah ‘pay a heavy price’

Israeli Chief of Staff General Herzi Halevi said on Tuesday that his army “acts decisively against anyone who prepares or attempts to harm Israeli citizens and soldiers,” assuring that it is “putting a heavy price on Hezbollah.”

The Lebanese National News Agency (ANI) reported on Tuesday Israeli artillery shelling and airstrikes in areas near the border with Israel, including the death of a Syrian farmer in an explosion at the farm where he was working.