17 Israeli soldiers killed in southern Lebanon

The Israeli military has confirmed that seventeen of its soldiers were killed during combat operations in southern Lebanon. The deaths come just a day after Israel launched a ground incursion into the region, amid escalating clashes with Hezbollah militants.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) identified the killed soldiers as Captain Harel Ettinger, Captain Itai Ariel Giat, Major Noam Barzilai, Major Or Mantzur, Major Nazar Itkin, Sergeant Almken Terefe, and Sergeant Ido Broyer.

In a separate incident, a combat medic was seriously injured while fighting in northern Lebanon, the military added.

Fighting between Israeli troops and Hezbollah militants continues to intensify in southern Lebanon, where Israeli forces are now bolstering their presence.

Earlier today, Israel announced it was deploying additional troops and artillery to the border area, preparing for further confrontations.