Israeli forces conduct ground incursion along Lebanon border
Israeli troops advanced into southern Lebanon after defense minister ordered seizure of strategic positions to counter Hezbollah attacks.
5 hrs ago
Israeli ground forces entered a border area in southern Lebanon on Tuesday, according to a Lebanese military source who spoke to AFP on condition of anonymity.
The incursion followed an order from Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz directing troops to "advance and assume control of additional strategic positions" in Lebanese territory. Katz stated in an official statement that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and he had authorized the Israeli military to move forward with the operation.
"Israeli ground troops advanced from the plains of Kfarkila and Khiam," areas near the Israel-Lebanon border, the Lebanese military source said. According to witnesses cited by Reuters, the Lebanese army withdrew from at least seven operational positions in the region.
Katz said the operation aims to prevent attacks against Israeli border communities. "The Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and I authorized the Israeli Army to advance and take control of additional strategic positions in Lebanon, to prevent attacks against the Israeli border localities," the defense minister stated.
The Lebanese military source expressed concern about Israel's intentions, saying there was worry about "Israel's intention to establish a broad security perimeter in southern Lebanon."
The ground incursion comes after a bombing campaign against Hezbollah, the Iran-aligned movement, began Monday. The operation occurs amid broader regional escalation following a joint U.S.-Israeli offensive against Iran.