Israel has expanded its ground incursion into southern Lebanon, widening what it describes as a “security zone” along its northern border, according to a statement released Thursday by the head of its Northern Command, Major General Rafi Milo.
Milo said the Israeli military had taken an “additional step” to broaden its forward security presence, signaling a deepening of operations that began earlier this month. The current offensive, which Israel says is aimed at neutralizing threats from Hezbollah, has intensified since March 2, when cross-border hostilities escalated sharply.
Since then, Israeli forces have carried out repeated ground operations in southern Lebanon, alongside sustained airstrikes targeting what the military describes as Hezbollah positions and infrastructure. Hezbollah, however, maintains that it has actively resisted the incursions, claiming its fighters continue to confront Israeli troops advancing into Lebanese territory.
Reports indicate that Israeli ground movements have reached multiple border towns, including Khiam, Adaisseh, and Kfar Kila in the Marjayoun district. Additional activity has been reported in Kfarchouba in Hasbaya and Dhayra in the Tyre district, suggesting a broad geographic spread of the operation.
In response to the incursions, Hezbollah has launched a series of counterattacks, including rockets and drones aimed at Israeli military positions and vehicles in both southern Lebanon and northern Israel. The exchanges have contributed to a rapidly escalating conflict along the border.
Israeli authorities have maintained strict military censorship over coverage of the fighting. Restrictions include limitations on reporting troop movements, casualties, and the publication of battlefield footage without prior approval, making independent verification of claims from both sides difficult.
Despite these limitations, Israeli officials have provided some details of the operation’s impact. Milo stated that more than 750 Hezbollah fighters had been killed and that significant infrastructure had been destroyed across various parts of Lebanon. These figures have not been independently confirmed, and Hezbollah has not publicly acknowledged such losses.
Earlier on Thursday, the Israeli military announced that its 162nd Division had joined the 91st and 36th divisions already operating in the area, further expanding the scale of the ground offensive. The military also confirmed casualties among its own forces, reporting that two soldiers were killed and five others wounded during clashes in southern Lebanon.
Israeli media reports suggest that the military may be planning to extend its presence deeper into Lebanese territory. Channel 14 reported on Wednesday that Israel aims to establish a buffer zone reaching up to eight kilometers (approximately five miles) inside Lebanon. According to the report, the army has already begun setting up as many as 18 military positions within that zone.
The escalation follows a cross-border attack by Hezbollah on March 2, which Israel cited as the trigger for its ongoing military campaign. Since then, Israeli airstrikes have targeted multiple locations across Lebanon, contributing to a rising civilian toll.
Lebanese authorities say at least 1,116 people have been killed and 3,229 injured as a result of Israeli attacks since the conflict intensified. The figures include both civilians and combatants, though a detailed breakdown has not been provided.
The situation in southern Lebanon is unfolding against the backdrop of a wider regional conflict. A joint U.S.-Israeli offensive targeting Iran has reportedly resulted in more than 1,340 deaths since February 28. In retaliation, Iran has launched drone and missile strikes against Israeli targets and U.S. military bases in Gulf countries, further heightening tensions across the Middle East.
The overlapping conflicts have raised concerns among international observers about the risk of a broader regional war. Diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation have so far yielded limited results, as military operations continue on multiple fronts.
As Israel presses ahead with its expanded ground operations and Hezbollah continues its resistance, the humanitarian and security situation in southern Lebanon remains volatile, with civilians bearing the brunt of the ongoing violence.
