❗️Israel expands ground operation in Lebanon amid escalation with Hezbollah

Israeli War Minister Israel Katz said he and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu authorized the military to advance further into southern Lebanon and occupy additional strategic positions following an attack by Hezbollah.

Israeli occupation forces have already occupied five positions in southern Lebanon since November 2024. The military described the move as defensive, aimed at protecting Israeli border communities and key strategic sites from potential Hezbollah attacks.

Overnight, Israeli forces deployed additional troops to southern Lebanon while the air force carried out strikes on Hezbollah infrastructure in the area, including southern Lebanon and Beirut’s southern suburbs.

The military said the operations are intended to bolster forward defenses, prevent infiltration attempts into Israel, and counter what it described as emerging threats.