Israel has intensified military operations in southern Lebanon, indicating plans to expand ground offensives following targeted strikes on critical infrastructure, including key bridges.
The Israeli Defense Forces announced that its campaign against Hezbollah is entering a broader phase, with coordinated ground advances and continued airstrikes planned. Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir described the operation as ongoing and potentially prolonged, emphasizing that it is being conducted according to a structured strategy.
Earlier, Israeli forces struck several bridges, including one near the city of Tyre, which was reported to be emitting heavy smoke following the attack. Lebanese state media confirmed that multiple strikes caused severe damage, rendering the bridge unusable, with additional strikes reported in surrounding areas.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned the attacks, calling them a serious escalation and a violation of Lebanon’s sovereignty. He warned that targeting critical infrastructure such as bridges over the Litani River could signal the start of a larger ground invasion and potentially isolate southern Lebanon from the rest of the country.
The conflict, which began escalating in early March, has involved ongoing exchanges of fire between Israeli forces and Hezbollah. Israel has conducted extensive airstrikes and limited ground incursions, while Hezbollah has launched rocket attacks targeting northern Israel and border regions.
Israeli authorities reported that operations aim to dismantle Hezbollah infrastructure in southern Lebanon. Alongside bridge strikes, demolitions of structures in border communities and airstrikes in regions such as the Bekaa Valley have been carried out.
Lebanese officials have reported casualties and widespread displacement, with over a million people affected in recent weeks. Hezbollah has claimed responsibility for multiple attacks on Israeli military positions, particularly near the border.
Israeli officials maintain that the destruction of bridges and other infrastructure is intended to disrupt the movement of fighters and weapons across southern Lebanon, with the Litani River, located roughly 30 kilometres north of the Israeli border, serving as a key focal point.
As tensions remain high, exchanges of fire continue, raising concerns about the potential for a broader and more prolonged conflict in the region.
