154 'Israeli' soldiers wounded in five days of south Lebanon fighting

• 154 'Israeli' soldiers wounded in five days of fighting in south Lebanon.
• First fatality reported since US-Iran ceasefire took effect.

The 'Israeli' military said Monday that one of its soldiers was killed during combat operations in southern Lebanon, marking the first reported fatality since a temporary ceasefire between the United States and Iran came into force.

In a statement, the army identified the soldier as Sergeant First Class Eyal Uriel Bianco, 30, from Katzrin, who served as a fire engine driver in the 188th Brigade. The military said he was killed “during a battle in southern Lebanon.”

Casualties rise sharply

The army added that three other soldiers were wounded in the same incident. It reported a total of 154 officers and soldiers injured in southern Lebanon since Thursday.

Among them, 34 sustained serious injuries, while 78 were listed in moderate condition, according to the statement.

Escalation concerns grow

The 'Israeli' public broadcaster cited military and security estimates suggesting the situation is moving closer to renewed large-scale fighting rather than a sustained agreement between Washington and Tehran.

Drone attacks signal shift

The broadcaster also reported that Hezbollah launched at least 40 drones toward northern 'Israel' on Monday, causing significant damage. Only a small number were intercepted, while others struck targets, including in the settlement of Kiryat Shmona.

One drone, reportedly used for the first time, was equipped with an advanced optical system that makes detection more difficult. It is also said to resist electronic warfare measures, maneuver inside buildings, carry up to five kilograms of explosives, and travel dozens of kilometers.

Use of FPV drones expands

Israeli outlet Globes reported that Hezbollah has increasingly deployed first-person view drones to target armored vehicles and troops in southern Lebanon.

These drones, often described as loitering or suicide drones, can maneuver at high speed and strike vehicles or personnel directly. Their operation requires skilled pilots using specialized goggles or headsets to navigate in real time.

Ongoing conflict toll

The developments come amid continued 'Israeli' aggression in Lebanon since March 2. Since then, 'Israel' has reported the deaths of 12 soldiers and dozens of injuries in the south.

Lebanese authorities say the conflict has killed 2,055 people, wounded 6,588, and displaced more than one million residents.