Tensions in southern Lebanon escalated further as Hezbollah claimed its fighters engaged in direct clashes with Israeli troops beyond an Israeli-designated “yellow line,” despite an existing ceasefire agreement between the two sides.
The confrontation came a day after Israel announced an expansion of its ground operations in Lebanon. According to Hezbollah, its fighters exchanged fire with Israeli forces in the town of Zawtar al-Sharqiyah, a strategically significant location near the southern city of Nabatieh. The group stated that its fighters had been resisting Israeli attempts to advance into the area since earlier in the week.
Meanwhile, Israel intensified its military campaign across southern and eastern Lebanon. The Israeli military issued evacuation warnings for dozens of towns and villages and carried out extensive airstrikes targeting what it described as Hezbollah infrastructure and personnel. Israeli authorities said more than 150 Hezbollah-related sites were struck in the Tyre, Nabatieh, and Bekaa regions over a 24-hour period.
The violence has resulted in significant casualties and destruction. In Burj al-Shemali, near the coastal city of Tyre, rescue teams continued recovery efforts following a major strike. Local authorities reported that at least 15 people were killed in the area.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the military was operating with substantial ground forces to reinforce a security buffer zone aimed at protecting communities in northern Israel. Military officials also confirmed that troops had begun operating beyond the “yellow line,” which extends approximately 10 kilometers into Lebanese territory.
The conflict has also expanded into Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley, a region considered a key logistical corridor for Hezbollah. Analysts warn that military operations could spread further into northern Bekaa and even the southern suburbs of Beirut if hostilities continue.
Amid the escalating violence, Lebanese and Israeli military delegations are scheduled to hold talks at the Pentagon, with discussions expected to focus on securing a ceasefire, reducing tensions, and strengthening state authority across Lebanon.
