Peace with Lebanon cannot come until Hezbollah is disarmed, diplomatically or otherwise- editorial

Two IDF reservists were killed in a booby-trapped building in southern Lebanon on Wednesday, the first Israeli combat deaths on the northern front in over a month. The incident has heightened tensions and raised questions about the viability of peace talks with Lebanon while Hezbollah remains armed. The Jerusalem Post editorial argues that diplomacy must be exhausted, but lasting peace requires Hezbollah's disarmament.

Two IDF reservists were killed in a booby-trapped building in southern Lebanon on Wednesday, marking the first Israeli combat deaths on the northern front in over a month. Maj. (res.) Harel Birenstock, 34, and Master Sgt. (res.) Tamir Vaknin, 33, died when an explosive device detonated as forces from Battalion 2855 entered a building in Majdal Zoun, causing it to collapse. Four others were seriously wounded. The IDF launched an investigation, and Defense Minister Israel Katz questioned the commanders' decision to enter the building rather than destroy it from outside. The incident highlights the difficult balance Israel faces: every escalation carries diplomatic consequences, especially as talks in Rome focus on expanding pilot zones under Lebanese Armed Forces control. The editorial argues that lasting peace cannot be achieved while Hezbollah remains armed, and that diplomacy must be given every opportunity to succeed, but also that Israel must be willing to act if necessary. The piece includes a eulogy from Birenstock's mother, Yonat, who recalled her son's acceptance of death in combat.