Israel expands attacks in southern Lebanon
Two sources say the Israeli army has expanded its ground operations in southern Lebanon beyond the border line that Israel established a few kilometers inside Lebanese territory following the ceasefire with Hezbollah on April 16.
Sources did not provide further details on Tuesday about the extent of progress beyond the so-called “Yellow Line.”
The line, separate from the UN-drawn “Blue Line” that marked the border between Lebanon and Israel after Israel withdrew in 2000, forms part of a proposed buffer zone extending 5 to 10 km into southern Lebanon, where Israeli troops continue to operate in dozens of largely abandoned villages.
The move comes as cross-border clashes escalate despite a ceasefire declared weeks ago.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Monday that Israel would intensify attacks against Hezbollah, while a U.S. official said the Iran-backed group was ignoring warnings to stop attacks that risk undermining talks to end the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran.
Hezbollah said on Tuesday it targeted Israeli forces advancing towards the southern Lebanese town of Zawtar al-Sharqiya with explosive drones, rockets and artillery, while the Israeli army hit several towns in southern Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley and issued new evacuation warnings.
Lebanon’s health ministry said the total number of Israeli attacks since March 2 had reached 3,213 dead and 9,737 injured as of May 26, while the Israeli military said Hezbollah had launched explosive drones at Israeli troops and northern Israeli towns, killing at least 11 soldiers since the ceasefire.
The World Health Organization said at least 608 people have died in Lebanon in Israeli attacks since the ceasefire. Hezbollah has not published figures on its own casualties.
