The Israeli military says its troops are operating inside southern Lebanon in what it describes as a “forward defence” measure, opening another front in the expanding regional war linked to US-Israeli attacks on Iran.
Hezbollah warned that “the era of patience has ended,” declaring that if Israel wants open war, “so let it be an open war.”
Troops Advance Along Border
Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz said forces were ordered to seize additional areas in southern Lebanon to prevent attacks on Israeli border communities.
Military spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani said troops had been positioned at multiple points along the border.
Meanwhile, Lebanese military sources said the Lebanese army withdrew from several forward positions to avoid being caught in the escalation.
Air Strikes on Beirut
Israeli air raids struck Beirut’s southern suburbs, including Dahiyeh, for a second consecutive day.
The Israeli military said it targeted Hezbollah command centres and weapons storage sites. Forced displacement notices were issued for dozens of areas in Lebanon.
Lebanese state media reported that at least 52 people were killed and more than 150 injured in Monday’s strikes.
According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), at least 30,000 people have been displaced since hostilities intensified.
Hezbollah Response
Hezbollah claimed it launched a drone swarm attack on the Ramat David Airbase, targeting radar systems and control rooms.
Senior Hezbollah official Mahmoud Qmati said Israel’s actions left the group with “no option but to return to resistance.”
Lebanon Government Moves
Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun confirmed a government decision to ban Hezbollah’s military activity, stating that the authority over war and peace rests solely with the Lebanese state.
Hezbollah rejected the move, calling it unjustified.
