Jerusalem: The Israeli army announced Friday that one of its soldiers was killed in southern Lebanon. The army said in a statement that 20-year-old Staff Sergeant Negev Dagan from the Golani Brigade was struck by Hezbollah mortar fire.

According to Anadolu Agency, Hezbollah claimed responsibility Thursday for launching 13 attacks on Israeli troops, vehicles, and military positions in southern Lebanon. The group stated that these operations were in response to continued Israeli ceasefire violations and attacks on Lebanese villages.

Meanwhile, three individuals were reported killed in Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon on Thursday. These developments occurred as a new round of US-mediated talks between Lebanon and Israel commenced in Washington, DC.

Lebanese officials have reported that since March 2, Israeli attacks in Lebanon have killed more than 2,896 people, injured over 8,824, and displaced more than 1.6 million individuals, which accounts for about one-fifth of the country's population. The Israeli army continues its daily strikes in Lebanon and exchanges of fire with Hezbollah, despite a ceasefire that was implemented on April 17 and subsequently extended until May 17.