IDF conducts strikes in southern Lebanon as LAF continues to operate in pilot zones - report

The IDF conducted strikes in southern Lebanon on Wednesday, including in Mansouri, Tyre, as the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) claimed the strikes hinder its operations in pilot zones and efforts to return residents. The LAF reported bombings in Nabatieh, including a municipal building, school, and healthcare center. Defense Minister Israel Katz affirmed no withdrawal from the security zone. The strikes occur amid ongoing Israel-Lebanon negotiations.

The IDF conducted strikes in southern Lebanon on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, according to Israeli media outlets citing Lebanese reports. The military later confirmed it had struck Mansouri, a municipality in Tyre, as reported by Army Radio. The Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) issued a statement claiming the IDF was continuing its "assaults and violations of existing agreements and international laws" in Nabatieh, a city about 50 km northeast of Tyre. The statement made no mention of strikes in Tyre. The LAF further claimed that Israeli forces had bombed a municipal building in Nabatieh, as well as a public school, a healthcare center, a daycare, and several private homes. These actions consistently hinder the LAF's ability to operate in the pilot zones and work to return south Lebanese residents to their homes, the statement added. Defense Minister Israel Katz toured an IDF post in Lebanon on Wednesday and assured soldiers that "we are not withdrawing from this security zone." On July 20, 2026, Israel, the United States, and the Lebanese Army launched a security pilot program in southern Lebanon, with the IDF withdrawing from three villages: Bir al-Sana, Sarifa, and Zawtar al-Gharbiyah. The LAF is expected to clear the areas of Hezbollah operatives and weapons. Israeli officials told The Jerusalem Post on Tuesday that the Lebanese Army is "not doing enough" on the ground. The Alma Research and Education Center reported that Hezbollah's civilian arm has continued to operate in Zawtar al-Gharbiyeh throughout the pilot program. The strikes come as diplomatic efforts continue, with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun saying negotiations were progressing but reaffirming Lebanon would not accept a continued Israeli presence.