8 Israeli Soldiers Killed In Combat In South Lebanon, Hezbollah Claims 3 Israeli Tanks Destroyed

This comes a day after Israel announced a ground incursion into southern Lebanon. Israeli troops are battling Hezbollah inside Lebanon after launching 'limited ground operations' there.

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The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have confirmed that eight Israeli soldiers were killed during intense fighting with Hezbollah militants in southern Lebanon, the Associated Press reported. The clashes erupted as Israeli troops initiated limited ground operations in the region following a day of heightened tensions. Several other soldiers sustained injuries and have been evacuated and airlifted to a hospital for treatment.

Taking to X, the Israel Defense Forces said, "Captain Eitan Itzhak Oster, Captain Harel Etinger, Captain Itai Ariel Giat, Sergeant First Class Noam Barzilay, Sergeant First Class Or Mantzur, Sergeant First Class Nazaar Itkin, Staff Sergeant Almken Terefe and Staff Sergeant Ido Broyer, all fell during combat against Hezbollah terrorists in southern Lebanon."

This escalation comes on the heels of Israel's announcement of a ground incursion into southern Lebanon, a move that has raised concerns about a broader conflict. In separate statements, both the IDF and Hezbollah acknowledged the ongoing battles, indicating that the situation remains fluid and volatile.

Hezbollah Claims It Destroyed Three Israeli Merkava Tanks

Hezbollah, widely regarded as one of the most powerful non-state military groups in the region, claimed that three Israeli Merkava tanks were destroyed during Wednesday's fighting.

According to Hezbollah, the tanks were making their way towards the border village of Maroun al-Ras. While Israeli military sources did not address the specific tank losses, they did say that their ground forces, backed by airstrikes, killed Hezbollah fighters in close-range engagements.

As the region braces for further escalation, Israel has vowed to retaliate for a ballistic missile attack launched by Iran on Tuesday. The Iranian missile strike has heightened tensions in an already charged atmosphere, with both sides on high alert.