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Israeli troops begin limited ground offensive in Lebanon
Israel's military announced on Monday that its forces had initiated "limited and targeted ground operations" against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, aiming to bolster defenses along its northern border. The move follows weeks of escalating hostilities between the Iran-backed group and Israeli forces.
Background to the conflict
The latest clashes erupted two weeks ago after Hezbollah fired rockets and drones into Israel in retaliation for the assassination of Iran's supreme leader and continued Israeli airstrikes. The attacks followed the collapse of a 2024 ceasefire, reigniting tensions in the region.
Israel has framed the offensive as a necessary response to Hezbollah's aggression, vowing to continue until the group is disarmed. Lebanese authorities report that Israeli strikes have killed 886 people, including 111 children, and displaced one million since the conflict resumed.
Military operations and casualties
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that troops from its 91st Division were operating in Lebanon, targeting "terrorist infrastructure" and Hezbollah fighters. An IDF spokesman stated that Hezbollah's elite Radwan Force had deployed hundreds of fighters and launched daily rocket barrages, prompting Israel to expand its defensive posture.
Israeli media reported that three divisions-totaling thousands of troops-were active in southern Lebanon, with two more divisions expected to join soon. The operations have raised concerns about a prolonged Israeli occupation and further erosion of Lebanese sovereignty.
On Monday, Hezbollah claimed responsibility for rocket and drone strikes on the Israeli border town of Kiryat Shmona and the northern city of Nahariya. Israel's Magen David Adom ambulance service treated one man for blast injuries in Nahariya and six others for smoke inhalation after a rocket struck between two buildings.
Civilian impact and humanitarian crisis
Lebanese state media reported that Israeli airstrikes killed nine people on Monday, including three paramedics. The National News Agency (NNA) detailed strikes in Qantara, Kfar Sir, and Yater, where a civil defense center linked to Hezbollah was hit. The Lebanese health ministry accused Israel of violating international law by targeting ambulance crews, an allegation Israel denied, claiming Hezbollah was using medical vehicles for military purposes.
The UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, appealed for an immediate ceasefire, citing "horrible suffering" among Lebanese civilians. UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper announced £5 million ($6.65 million) in emergency aid for displaced Lebanese families, focusing on food and shelter.
Diplomatic efforts and regional tensions
Western leaders, including the UK, France, Germany, Italy, and Canada, issued a joint statement warning that a large-scale Israeli ground offensive would have "devastating humanitarian consequences" and must be avoided. France proposed hosting peace talks in Paris, with a plan to disarm Hezbollah and require Lebanon to formally recognize Israel. However, Israeli officials reportedly postponed the talks after rejecting key elements of the proposal.
"Lebanon must choose: remain hostage to Iranian interests or disarm Hezbollah,"
Zeev Elkin, Israeli cabinet minister
Lebanon's foreign ministry reiterated that Hezbollah's military activities were banned and that no armed group would be allowed to destabilize the country. Hezbollah, however, has refused to disarm and pledged to continue its resistance against Israel.
Evacuation orders and territorial claims
The IDF issued a blanket evacuation order for areas south of the Litani River, later extending it to the Zahrani River, 40 km (25 miles) from the Israeli border. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned that displaced Lebanese Shia residents would not return home until Israel's northern communities were secure. Reports suggest Israel aims to control the entire area south of the Litani, though the scope of its ambitions remains unclear.
