An Israeli soldier was killed and three others lightly wounded in southern Lebanon on Thursday, the Israeli army said, as Israeli forces continue their military presence on Lebanese territory despite a ceasefire agreement and diplomatic efforts to stabilize the region.

The Israeli military identified the dead soldier as Captain Eliav Haim Tzapalamus, 21, from Haifa, an officer serving in the 603rd Battalion of the 7th Brigade.

Tzapalamus is the 17th Israeli soldier reported killed since the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah was reached in June, according to the Israeli army.

Israeli forces have maintained control over a strip of southern Lebanese territory since launching an invasion in March, following Hezbollah attacks. Their continued presence has fueled concerns over violations of Lebanese sovereignty and the prospects for a lasting cessation of hostilities.

Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes and ground operations have inflicted a devastating toll across Lebanon. Lebanese official figures put the death toll from Israeli military operations since March at more than 4,300.

Israeli Presence Complicates Efforts to Stabilize Southern Lebanon

Israel and Lebanon have agreed to a framework that envisages the disarmament of Hezbollah, a gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces and the deployment of the Lebanese army in southern Lebanon.

However, the continued Israeli military presence and ongoing hostilities pose significant challenges to efforts to restore stability and enable residents to live without the threat of further attacks.

Lebanon faces the challenge of strengthening state authority in the south while seeking an end to Israeli military operations and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from its territory.

EU Calls for Security Arrangements in Southern Lebanon

During a visit to Beirut on Thursday, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas told AFP that the European Union supported efforts to prevent a security vacuum in southern Lebanon and extend the mandate of the United Nations peacekeeping force operating in the area.

Kallas also announced that the bloc would soon launch a training mission for the Lebanese army, which faces significant resource constraints.

The proposed initiative aims to strengthen the Lebanese military's capabilities as diplomatic efforts continue to establish security arrangements along the border.

For Lebanon, the restoration of stability remains closely linked to respect for its sovereignty, the withdrawal of Israeli forces and the protection of civilians from further military escalation.

With thousands reported killed in Israeli operations since March, southern Lebanon continues to face the consequences of a conflict that has devastated communities and placed renewed pressure on the country's security and humanitarian situation.

The challenge facing international efforts is to ensure that diplomatic arrangements translate into an end to hostilities, the withdrawal of occupying forces and lasting security for Lebanon's border communities. (ILKHA)