Israeli troops launch 'limited' operations against Hezbollah in south Lebanon

DUBAI - The Israeli military said on Monday that its troops had begun limited ground operations against Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon in recent days to bolster forward defences. 

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that troops from its 91st Division have been conducting ground missions inside southern Lebanon. According to Israeli officials, the operations are aimed at dismantling Hezbollah infrastructure and neutralizing militants who pose threats to northern Israeli communities.

The military described the operations as “limited and targeted,” indicating they are not yet a full-scale invasion but rather focused incursions against specific sites and fighters.

Israel has reportedly established positions at several strategic points along the border while continuing airstrikes on Hezbollah targets deeper inside Lebanon.

The ground operations follow a surge in attacks by Hezbollah on Israeli territory. Israeli officials say the militant group has launched hundreds to more than a thousand rockets and drones toward Israel during the recent escalation.

Hezbollah claims its attacks are retaliation for Israeli strikes and part of its broader confrontation with Israel during the regional conflict involving Iran and its allies.

The confrontation has already resulted in hundreds of casualties and widespread displacement in Lebanon. Reports indicate that southern Lebanese villages and parts of Beirut have suffered extensive damage from Israeli airstrikes targeting Hezbollah facilities.

Meanwhile, Israel has issued evacuation warnings for several areas in southern Lebanon as it intensifies its military campaign.

The fighting between Israel and Hezbollah is unfolding during a broader regional crisis involving Iran, raising fears that the conflict could expand further across the Middle East. Analysts warn that sustained clashes on the Israel–Lebanon front could open a second major battlefield while tensions with Iran remain high.

Israel’s decision to launch limited ground operations in southern Lebanon marks a new phase in its confrontation with Hezbollah. While Israeli officials say the raids are targeted and defensive, the continued exchange of missiles, airstrikes, and ground incursions suggests the conflict could escalate further if diplomatic efforts fail to contain it.