Israeli flare bombs ignite forest fires in southern Lebanon, local media reports

Israeli forces dropped flare bombs over the Aita al-Jabal forest in southern Lebanon’s Bint Jbeil district on Sunday, sparking fires, Lebanon’s National News Agency reported. The agency also said the Israeli army caused a “massive explosion” in the southern town of Houla in the Marjeyoun district. The developments came as a US state department spokesperson said Hezbollah must disarm for Lebanon to become a “safe and sovereign country”. The spokesperson said the Lebanese government was the “sole legitimate interlocutor” for discussions about the country’s future, under the US-backed Trilateral Framework. جيش الاحتلال ينفذ عملية تفجير في بلدة حولا جنوبي #لبنان pic.twitter.com/FSrF6m3Ys1 — وكالة قدس برس (@qudspressagency) August 30, 2026