IDF launches ground operations in southern Lebanon
Troops seize positions across the border to bolster security for northern Israel.
The IDF said Tuesday that ground forces have launched what it described as “forward defensive operations” in southern Lebanon, taking control of several positions just across the border as part of a broader effort to protect northern Israeli communities amid the war with Iran.
In a statement, the military said troops from the 91st Division are operating south of the Litani River under a strategy it called “deepening forward defense,” aimed at creating an additional security buffer for residents of northern Israel.
The IDF added that it is carrying out extensive strikes on infrastructure linked to the Iran-backed group Hezbollah “to thwart threats and prevent infiltration attempts” into Israeli territory.
“Hezbollah chose to enter the campaign on behalf of Iran and will bear the consequences of its actions. The IDF will not allow harm to the civilians of the State of Israel and will continue to act in every way to protect them,” the military said.
The escalation along Israel’s northern border comes amid a rapid expansion of the broader conflict that began with Israeli-U.S. airstrikes on Iran last weekend.
Defense Minister Israel Katz said the move was intended to prevent direct fire on Israeli communities.
“To prevent the possibility of direct fire at Israeli communities, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and I have authorized the IDF to advance and hold additional dominant terrain in Lebanon and defend the border communities from there,” Katz said in a statement. “The IDF continues to operate forcefully against Hezbollah targets in Lebanon. The organization is paying and will pay a heavy price for firing toward Israel.”
