Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israeli ground forces have crossed the Litani River in Lebanon. This move occurred as military representatives from Israel and Lebanon prepared to engage in U.S.-mediated discussions.
Netanyahu, speaking near the Lebanese border, confirmed that Israeli forces advanced further into Lebanon. This development undermines the month-long ceasefire which has not significantly reduced the ongoing conflict. The confrontation involves continuous exchanges between Israel and Hezbollah.
The Litani River has historically served as a ceasefire boundary in southern Lebanon. Israeli forces have now surpassed this line, indicating their operations are extending beyond what Israel refers to as its “forward defense line,” located a few miles inside Lebanon since March’s invasion.
In recent days, the Litani River has been a focal point for clashes, with Israeli airstrikes prompting over 3,300 Lebanese casualties reported by the health ministry since March.
Concurrently, Israel has issued evacuation alerts for southern Lebanese towns, while intensifying airstrikes. Netanyahu’s government, under pressure from internal hard-liners, has escalated its military actions, notably targeting areas near Beirut for the first time in weeks. Hezbollah’s drone incursions present a continual threat to Israeli troops, with the administration aiming to reinforce security for northern communities under rocket threat.
The Pentagon-hosted talks between Israeli and Lebanese officials will address Hezbollah’s disarmament, a central issue for Israel. President Joseph Aoun of Lebanon indicated to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio that a ceasefire is crucial for further actions.
This military escalation occurs against negotiations between the U.S. and Iran to halt the broader conflict. Iran demands that Israel’s actions against Hezbollah cease as part of any agreement. General Eyal Zamir of Israel’s military stated operations would persist in new regions and that assaults on Hezbollah would continue.
Johnatan Reiss and Euan Ward contributed to the reporting. Euan Ward is a correspondent based in Beirut covering Lebanon and Syria.