BEIRUT/JERUSALEM: According to Beyond Time News, Israel’s military has announced an expansion of its ground operations in southern Lebanon, stating that its forces are advancing into additional areas as part of efforts to strengthen what it describes as a “forward defense line” against Hezbollah.
The escalation comes amid ongoing cross-border fighting between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah group, despite a truce that was declared in April but has reportedly not been upheld in practice.
Israeli Forces Advance Deeper Into Southern Lebanon
The Israeli military said on Sunday that a “significant number” of ground troops had launched offensive operations in southern Lebanon, crossing beyond previously held positions.
According to the statement, Israeli forces have now crossed the Litani River, a major geographical landmark located roughly 30 kilometres north of the Israeli border.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had earlier confirmed that Israeli troops had crossed the river, describing it as part of broader security operations in the region.
The military added that the operation is now “expanding to additional areas,” signaling a wider and more sustained ground presence.
Operations in Strategic Southern Areas
Israel said its recent operations include activity in the Beaufort Ridge and Wadi al-Saluki regions of southern Lebanon.
Officials stated that the objective is to eliminate what they describe as direct threats to Israeli border communities, including areas such as the Galilee Panhandle and the town of Metula.
The military further said these operations are part of ongoing efforts to strengthen operational control in southern Lebanon.
Lebanon Accuses Israel of Escalation
Lebanon has strongly criticized Israel’s actions. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam accused Israel of pursuing what he described as a “scorched-earth policy” in southern Lebanon, warning that the ongoing strikes are causing widespread destruction in border regions.
Lebanese authorities say the continued military activity is worsening the humanitarian and security situation in the south of the country.
Ceasefire Under Strain Amid Continued Fighting
A ceasefire agreement intended to halt hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah officially came into effect on April 17, but both sides have repeatedly accused each other of violations.
Despite the agreement, clashes and military operations have continued, with Israel justifying its actions as responses to alleged breaches and security threats.
The situation remains highly volatile, with no clear signs of de-escalation.
Rising Human Cost of Conflict
According to Lebanon’s health ministry, Israeli attacks have killed more than 3,371 people since March 2, when Hezbollah intensified its involvement in the broader regional conflict.
The figures highlight the growing human toll as fighting continues across southern Lebanon.
Iran Condemns US Strike Near Bandar Abbas as Regional Tensions Escalate
Regional Tensions Continue to Escalate
The expansion of ground operations signals a further intensification of the conflict along the Israel–Lebanon border, where both sides remain locked in a cycle of strikes, counterstrikes, and accusations.
With military activity spreading into new areas, concerns are rising over the risk of a wider regional escalation.
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