JERUSALEM — Israel intensified its ground operations against Hezbollah along Lebanon’s southern coast on Tuesday, deploying more troops and urging civilians in the region to evacuate.
The military’s move follows Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s vow to continue what he described as a “sacred war” until both Hezbollah and Hamas are defeated.
These groups have committed to continuing their resistance in this multi-front conflict.
The expansion of Israeli operations into Lebanon began after Hezbollah opened a front in solidarity with Hamas, following the deadly October 7, 2023, attack on Israel.
While Israel battles Hamas in Gaza, efforts are also focused on securing the northern border to enable displaced Israelis to return home.
Since September 23, Israel’s strikes have targeted Hezbollah strongholds in southern and eastern Lebanon, resulting in the deaths of at least 1,110 people and displacing over a million.
While much of the fighting has occurred in Hezbollah’s southern and eastern strongholds, Israel’s latest evacuation warning signals a likely extension of hostilities along Lebanon’s coastline.
On Tuesday, Israel’s 146th Division initiated localized operations against Hezbollah in southwestern Lebanon, including targeting Hezbollah infrastructure.
The military has warned civilians to avoid coastal areas and stay away from the southern Al-Awali river region.
Hezbollah, in response, fired rockets at Israeli forces in northern Israel. Israeli strikes on southern Beirut have lessened in intensity overnight, though further attacks were reported in southern and eastern Lebanon.
The heightened conflict in Lebanon comes a year after Hamas’s deadly attack on Israel, which led to the war that has since expanded to multiple fronts.