A 44-year-old Defense Ministry civilian contractor, Amer Hujirat from Shfaram, was killed when an explosive drone launched by Hezbollah struck his excavator in southern Lebanon near Bint Jbeil. His 19-year-old son, who was working alongside him for the same company, was lightly wounded by shrapnel. Hezbollah claimed responsibility, saying it targeted engineering equipment involved in demolishing its infrastructure.

The Israeli military said the family had been notified and expressed condolences, noting that civilian contractors killed in combat zones are not formally recognized as fallen soldiers. Hezbollah has intensified its use of explosive unmanned aerial vehicles in recent days, triggering repeated sirens in northern Israeli communities and killing and wounding Israeli troops operating in Lebanon.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he had ordered a special project to counter the growing drone threat and reported that Israeli forces had destroyed a large Hezbollah tunnel while continuing operations across multiple areas of Lebanon. The fighting has persisted despite an extended ceasefire announced by United States President Donald Trump, who said Israel retains the right to strike in self-defense.

Meanwhile, Lebanon's health ministry reported that an alleged Israeli strike on an army patrol in Majdal Zoun killed five people, including three paramedics, and wounded two soldiers. Lebanese officials condemned the attack, while Israel has accused Hezbollah of operating within civilian areas. Since hostilities resumed in March, casualties have mounted on both sides, including Israeli civilians and soldiers and thousands reported killed in Lebanon.