Israel expands ground operation against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon

The Israeli military announced on Tuesday that it had initiated targeted ground operations against Hezbollah in southwestern Lebanon, expanding its activities along the country’s coastline.

In a statement, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that the 146th Reserve Division, previously tasked with defensive duties in northern Israel, began “limited, localized, targeted operational activities” on Monday.

The IDF stated that these operations are specifically aimed at “Hezbollah terror targets and infrastructure” in the region.

Israel deploys reserve and support forces

The 146th Division has been deployed alongside the 213th Artillery Brigade and other units to expose and dismantle Hezbollah’s infrastructure.

“The soldiers are operating alongside the 213th artillery brigade and additional forces in order to expose and dismantle terrorist infrastructure in the area,” the IDF said on its official Telegram channel.

This marks the first time the 146th Reserve Division has been involved in ground operations in southern Lebanon. It has previously served as a defensive regional brigade on Israel’s northwestern border with Lebanon and has also been deployed in Gaza, Judea and Samaria.

Further Israeli military operations

In addition to the 146th Division, the IDF has deployed three other divisions – the 98th, 36th and 91st – to conduct operations in central and eastern sectors of southern Lebanon. The Carmeli Reserve Infantry Brigade and the Iron Fist Reserve Armored Brigade, supported by the 213th Artillery Regiment, have also joined.

The IDF has characterized these operations as “limited, localized, and targeted raids,” with the primary goal of dismantling Hezbollah infrastructure in villages close to Israel. According to the Israeli military, their main aim is to secure the area to allow Israeli civilians displaced by the conflict to return to their homes in northern Israel. But many are concerned that Israel now might be conducting an invasion of southern Lebanon.

Air strikes on Lebanon continue

Lebanon’s National News Agency reported that Israeli forces have continued launching air attacks on Beirut, as well as on eastern and southern Lebanon.