Israeli Forces Penetrate Deep into Lebanon Amid Fierce Clashes with Hezbollah

Israeli ground forces made their most significant advance into Lebanon in six weeks of fighting, briefly capturing a strategic hill near Chamaa village, 5 kilometers (3 miles) from the Israeli border. Fierce battles with Hezbollah militants ensued before the troops retreated. Lebanese state media reported that Israeli forces destroyed the Shrine of Shimon the Prophet and several homes in the area, though these claims remain unverified. Israel’s military acknowledged ongoing localized operations but declined to comment on specific incidents.

Heavy Bombardment Targets Beirut Suburbs

Israeli warplanes ramped up attacks on Dahiyeh, a Hezbollah stronghold in southern Beirut, and other areas in southern Lebanon, including Tyre. An airstrike in Khraibeh reportedly killed six family members, according to Lebanese media. Israel stated its strikes were aimed at Hezbollah targets, in response to over 60 projectiles launched into Israeli territory on Saturday.

Since late September, Israel has escalated its operations in Lebanon, aiming to weaken the Iranian-backed Hezbollah and prevent further attacks. Lebanese officials report more than 3,400 deaths due to Israeli strikes, with 80% of the casualties occurring in the past two months. Thousands of civilians have been displaced, as Israel emphasizes securing its northern border.

U.S. Proposal for Ceasefire Under Review

Lebanese and Hezbollah officials are considering a U.S.-drafted ceasefire proposal, which is based on U.N. Security Council resolution 1701 that ended the 2006 Israel-Hezbollah war. Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati has reportedly sought Iran’s influence in persuading Hezbollah to agree to a ceasefire.

Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, representing Hezbollah in the talks, voiced concerns over elements of the draft, including a provision for a Western-supervised monitoring committee. “We will not accept any infringement of our sovereignty,” Berri told Asharq Al-Awsat. Despite reservations, he described the negotiations as “positive,” while cautioning that outcomes remain uncertain.

Gaza Conflict Intensifies

In parallel, the Gaza conflict continues to exact a heavy toll. The Palestinian Health Ministry reports over 43,000 deaths, with more than half being women and children. The U.N. Security Council is debating a resolution for an immediate ceasefire, but its adoption depends heavily on U.S. support.

The Gaza war began after Hamas’s October 7 attack on Israel, which resulted in over 1,200 deaths and 250 kidnappings. Israel’s response has been relentless, with no signs of de-escalation.

The Path to Resolution

As the twin conflicts in Lebanon and Gaza persist, diplomatic efforts face immense challenges. The U.S.-brokered ceasefire proposal in Lebanon offers a potential path to peace, but continued violence and political disagreements risk derailing progress. The international community remains watchful, hoping negotiations can prevent further destabilization in the region.