SEAToday.com, Jakarta - Israel's military has confirmed the loss of eight soldiers during intense fighting with Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. The combat occurred as Israel's ground invasion continued to face fierce resistance from the Hezbollah group. Hezbollah, supported by Iran, claimed responsibility for the destruction of Israeli tanks, stating that it had sufficient forces to hold off Israel's advances.

The Israeli army reported that additional troops had joined the operation, aiming to dismantle Hezbollah's infrastructure in Lebanese border villages. In a related development, an Israeli airstrike in Beirut killed at least five people and wounded eight others. The strike targeted a Hezbollah-affiliated building near Lebanon's parliament and United Nations Regional Headquarters.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu paid tribute to the fallen soldiers, highlighting their role in a "tough war" against Hezbollah. He vowed that Israel would continue its efforts, declaring, "With God’s help, we will win together." Hezbollah retaliated by launching rockets and explosives at Israeli troops, claiming to have destroyed several tanks near the Lebanese border village of Maroun al-Ras.

The fighting marks the first direct clashes between Israeli forces and Hezbollah fighters since the invasion began. Netanyahu assured that the offensive would degrade Hezbollah’s capabilities, allowing displaced Israeli citizens to return home. He remains confident that Israel’s military efforts will ultimately succeed.

As hostilities continue, the international community watches closely. US President Joe Biden has expressed concerns, urging caution against an Israeli strike on Iran. Meanwhile, Hezbollah maintains its resolve, with a spokesperson stating, "We will inflict defeat upon the Israeli enemy when they dare cross into Lebanon," as cited by the BBC.

Writer: Fariz Ahmad Luthfi