Israel strikes south as border clashes escalate

Israeli warplanes struck Wednesday the outskirts of al-Labbouneh, al-Naqoura and Kfarshouba.

Hezbollah later announced the killing of one of its members, Nabegh al-Qadiri from Kfarshouba, saying he died "on the road to Jerusalem" -- the phrase used for fighters killed by Israel.

Lebanon border clashes have been escalating as Hezbollah targeted on Saturday and Tuesday two Israeli bases in retaliation for an Israeli strike in Beirut last week that killed top Hamas official Saleh Arouri, and for a drone strike on Monday that killed Hezbollah commander Wissam al-Tawil.

Sheik Nabil Qaouk, a member of Hezbollah’s Central Council, said in a speech during the al-Tawil's funeral that his killing will not stop attacks along the border.

Thousands of people took part in al-Tawil's funeral in the southern Lebanese village of Khirbet Selm. His coffin, draped in Hezbollah’s yellow flag, was carried through the streets to the cemetery.

Shortly before the funeral Tuesday, an Israeli drone strike on Khirbet Selm killed a Hezbollah member. The Israeli military claimed that the man killed was in charge of Hezbollah’s drones in the south. Hezbollah in a statement denied it.

On Tuesday, Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon killed three other Hezbollah members and Hezbollah attacked eight Israeli posts along the border.

The increasing cross-border attacks have led to fears of a second conflict against the backdrop of the ongoing Gaza war. Hezbollah says that by keeping Israel’s northern front active, it is helping to reduce pressure on Hamas in Gaza. Hezbollah has lost some 150 fighters in the near-daily exchanges of fire.