Israeli Military Expands Ground Operations in Lebanon as Violence Intensifies
The Israeli military issued a stern warning on Thursday for people to evacuate Nabatieh and other communities in southern Lebanon, signaling a potential escalation in its ground operations against Hezbollah militants. This comes after Israel launched a limited ground incursion, accusing Hezbollah of violating a 2006 U.N.-brokered ceasefire agreement.
Evacuations Ordered Amid Growing Conflict
Israel’s evacuation orders focus on areas north of the Litani River, marking the northern boundary of the U.N.-established buffer zone from the 2006 conflict. Tensions remain high as both sides accuse each other of breaching the ceasefire. Israel’s actions suggest a broader military campaign may be underway.
At least nine Israeli soldiers have been killed in clashes with Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, raising fears of a wider conflict, especially after a recent Iranian missile attack further escalated tensions.
Attacks on Medical Personnel and Infrastructure
The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that 28 health workers were killed within the past day, highlighting the humanitarian crisis in Lebanon. According to Lebanese authorities, Israeli airstrikes have destroyed nine hospitals and several health centers, severely limiting access to medical care in southern Lebanon. Lebanese Health Minister Firas Abiad condemned the strikes, calling them violations of international law meant to protect civilians and medical personnel.
“We are witnessing attacks that disregard the basic protections afforded to medical personnel under international law,” Abiad said.
In a separate incident, an Israeli strike near Taybeh targeted a convoy of Lebanese Red Cross paramedics and soldiers, despite coordination with U.N. peacekeepers. One Lebanese soldier was killed, and four paramedics were injured. The Lebanese military has returned fire in response to several incidents, heightening the risk of further escalation.
Airstrike in Beirut Kills Civilians, First Responders
Israel’s aerial campaign extended into Beirut on Wednesday night, killing nine people, including civilian first responders associated with Hezbollah. The strike hit an apartment complex near sensitive sites like the U.N. headquarters and the prime minister’s office. Lebanese media have accused Israel of using white phosphorus, a controversial substance, though the Israeli military denies using it in this particular attack. Israel has admitted to using smokescreen shells that contain the chemical but maintains they are not in violation of international law.
Violence Spills Into the West Bank
Meanwhile, in the West Bank, Israeli forces conducted a deadly airstrike on the Tulkarem refugee camp, killing 16 people. The Israeli military stated that the strike was coordinated with the Shin Bet security agency but did not disclose further details. Tulkarem has become a stronghold for Palestinian militants and has been a hotspot for violence since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war last October.
Hezbollah Targets Israeli Troops
The Israeli military announced it had struck 200 Hezbollah targets across Lebanon, including weapons depots and observation posts, killing at least 15 Hezbollah fighters. One of the strikes reportedly killed senior Hezbollah militant Mohammed Anisi, involved in developing precision-guided missiles for the group. Hezbollah claims that its fighters ambushed Israeli troops near Maroun el-Ras, killing and wounding several soldiers.
Fears of a Wider Regional War
The ongoing fighting has displaced hundreds of thousands of people in southern Lebanon. Israel has warned residents in the south to evacuate areas as far as 60 kilometers from the border, exceeding the buffer zone defined by U.N. Resolution 1701. The resolution, intended to keep Hezbollah forces north of the Litani River, has long been contested. While Hezbollah has maintained military operations near the border, Israel has justified its continued strikes as necessary defense against ongoing attacks.
Further complicating the situation, Iranian-backed Houthi rebels launched drones toward Tel Aviv overnight. Israeli forces intercepted one drone, while another crashed into the Mediterranean Sea. Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis are part of the Iran-led Axis of Resistance, heightening fears that the conflict could spread across the Middle East.
U.S. Ramps Up Support for Israel
In response to an Iranian missile attack earlier this week, the United States has sent additional military assets to the region to bolster Israel’s defenses. Both Israel and the U.S. have warned of serious consequences for Iran’s involvement, raising the stakes in an already volatile conflict.
The escalating violence in Lebanon, Gaza, and the West Bank points to a growing and complex regional conflict, with many actors involved. As Israel and Iran continue their tit-for-tat attacks, the risk of a broader regional war looms larger with each passing day.