Israeli forces have intensified their military campaign in southern Lebanon, deploying additional troops from Division 162 to expand a so-called 'buffer zone' up to 30km north of the border. This escalation follows Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz's directive to destroy all crossings over the Litani River and create a defensive perimeter against Hezbollah.
Key Takeaways
Israel has intensified its military campaign in southern Lebanon, deploying additional troops to create a 'buffer zone' up to 30km north of the border. This escalation follows Defense Minister Israel Katz's directive to destroy all crossings over the Litani River and establish a defensive perimeter against Hezbollah.
- Israeli forces have killed more than 400 Hezbollah fighters since March 2, according to sources familiar with Hezbollah's count.
- Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned strikes on Qasmiyeh Bridge as 'a prelude to ground invasion'.
- Over 1.2 million people in Lebanon have been displaced due to forced evacuations and destruction of homes since the beginning of March, according to the United Nations.
- Hezbollah's military capabilities have reportedly been bolstered through support from Iran’s Revolutionary Guards (IRGC).
According to Reuters, more than 400 fighters from Hezbollah have been killed since the Lebanese armed group launched the opening salvoes of a new war with Israel on March 2. The Israeli military gave a higher toll of the group's latest losses, saying it has killed at least 700 Hezbollah fighters in Lebanon, including hundreds of members of the group's elite Radwan Force.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned the strikes on Qasmiyeh Bridge, describing them as 'a prelude to ground invasion,' according to reports from HuffPost, Reuters, and Al Jazeera. The Israeli far-right finance minister Bezalel Smotrich has publicly urged annexation of southern Lebanese territories during an interview with Israeli radio.
The escalating conflict has triggered a severe humanitarian crisis across Lebanon. Over 1.2 million people have been displaced due to forced evacuations and destruction of homes since the beginning of March, according to the United Nations. Families are sheltering under makeshift tents in Beirut while celebrating Eid al-Fitr amid dire conditions.
Casualties continue to mount on both sides since hostilities began on March 2. Israeli strikes have targeted at least 128 medical facilities across south Lebanon, killing 40 healthcare workers and wounding another 107 others, as reported by The Guardian. Lebanese health officials report that more than a thousand people have been killed in Lebanon alone.
Hezbollah's military capabilities have reportedly been bolstered through support from Iran’s Revolutionary Guards (IRGC). According to Reuters, the IRGC rebuilt Hezbollah's command structure after it was devastated by Israel in 2024. They sent officers to retrain fighters and oversee rearmament efforts.
The conflict has drawn international criticism for its impact on civilian infrastructure and populations. The UN human rights chief condemned Israel’s widespread evacuation orders that have displaced over a million people, as reported by HuffPost. Amnesty International stated that targeting medical workers could constitute war crimes under international law.
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