U.S. General Jasper Jeffers, co-chair of the International Ceasefire Monitoring Committee, toured the southern Lebanese town of Khiyam on Friday. He was joined by Brigadier General Tony Fares, commander of the Lebanese Army's 7th Brigade, and a delegation of officials.

The visit follows a surge in Israeli violations in southern Lebanon, where the Israeli military continues to occupy villages and carry out demolitions. In Naqoura, Israeli bulldozers razed several homes, delaying the Lebanese Army’s planned deployment into the area on Thursday.

Intense activity by UNIFIL forces and the Lebanese Army has been reported on the Bayada-Naqoura road. The Lebanese Army has installed concrete barriers, restricting access to Naqoura except for UNIFIL personnel and vehicles.

Naqoura is set to host the third meeting of the Quintet Committee on Monday, with U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein expected to attend. The meeting is seen as critical for addressing the escalating border situation.

Prime Minister Najib Mikati recently summoned American and French members of the committee to formally protest ongoing Israeli violations. Lebanon is expected to push for stronger international action to prevent further breaches.

Lebanese Army engineering teams are also surveying areas vacated by Israeli forces, particularly in Shama and Bayada, as part of broader efforts to secure the region.

Israeli forces have escalated their operations near the border, conducting extensive sweeps with heavy and medium machine guns between Bani Hayyan and Talousseh, as well as in the vicinity of Houla.

At midnight, Israeli troops detonated explosives near Bani Hayyan, sending plumes of smoke into the air around the village mosque. Reports confirm the burning of two homes following searches by Israeli forces, who also carried out excavation work in the valley west of Bani Hayyan, extending to Wadi Al-Slouqi.

In Kfarkila, a significant explosion echoed across the area as part of an Israeli operation. Additional detonations were reported in Dahirah, a southern Lebanese town.

Moreover, an Israeli drone has been flying at low altitude over Beirut and its southern suburbs for three consecutive days, further inflaming tensions.