The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have rejected claims that they intentionally targeted journalists during a military operation in southern Lebanon on April 22.
While Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have characterized the strikes as apparent war crimes, the Israeli military maintains that the operation was focused on neutralizing two Hezbollah operatives.
The IDF stated that it does not target journalists and is currently conducting an internal review of the events, which resulted in the death of al-Akhbar reporter Amal Khalil and the injury of freelance camera operator Zeinab Faraj.
According to the IDF, the strikes were part of a broader effort to combat the Hezbollah terror group, which frequently operates within civilian areas, thereby complicating military engagements.
Despite the narrative pushed by activist organizations calling for International Criminal Court involvement, the reality remains that Israel is engaged in a defensive conflict against a hostile terrorist organization.
The IDF has expressed regret for any harm caused to non-combatants, but emphasized that its primary objective is the elimination of threats posed by Hezbollah militants operating in the region.
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