BEIRUT, Lebanon — Lebanon on Tuesday rejected Israeli allegations that a Lebanese soldier killed in an air strike near Sidon was connected to Hezbollah, amid ongoing efforts to maintain a fragile truce along the Israel–Lebanon border.

Warrant Officer Ali Abdullah of the Lebanese army’s Support Brigade and Anti-Tank Regiment was killed when an Israeli air strike hit a vehicle near Sidon on Monday, the Lebanese army confirmed.

Israel’s military said the three men targeted were involved in planning attacks against its forces, alleging that two were members of Hezbollah’s air defense unit and that one concurrently served in Lebanese army intelligence.

Lebanon’s defense ministry called the suggestions “false” and described reports linking army personnel to political or armed groups as a “malicious attack” on the institution. A Hezbollah official also denied to Reuters any connection between the group and members of the Lebanese army.

The Lebanese army said it is nearing completion of the first phase of its disarmament plan under a U.S.-backed ceasefire agreed in November 2024, which ended more than a year of fighting between Israel and Hezbollah and required the group’s disarmament in areas south of the river adjacent to Israel. The army said subsequent phases will be carefully planned based on conditions and developments.

Israel has repeatedly accused Hezbollah of rebuilding military infrastructure in southern Lebanon, which it says violates understandings governing the Israel–Lebanon frontier. A committee overseeing the truce last week focused on returning displaced civilians to their homes amid concerns that tensions could flare if a year-end disarmament deadline is not met.