The Israeli military says it has launched what it describes as a “forward defensive operation” to protect communities in northern Israel, confirming that forces are currently operating inside southern Lebanon.
In a statement issued following what it called a situational assessment, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said the operation is being carried out in parallel with activity under Operation “Roaring Lion.” It said troops from the 91st Division are deployed at several strategic points in southern Lebanon as part of efforts to reinforce its forward defense posture along the border.
The military said it is also conducting “large-scale airstrikes” targeting infrastructure it describes as belonging to Hezbollah, with the stated aim of “thwarting threats and preventing any attempt to infiltrate” Israeli territory.
The IDF accused Hezbollah of acting under Iranian direction and said the group “will bear the consequences of its actions.” It added that it “will not allow harm to the citizens of the State of Israel” and will continue to act “by all means” to defend them.
There was no immediate comment from Hezbollah.
Lebanese army redploys soldiers
The Lebanese army has redeployed soldiers from several recently established border positions on Tuesday following the Israeli army's "escalation", a military source told AFP. The troops "numbering in total eight to nine soldiers at each point, were redeployed to their bases because of the danger to their safety", the Lebanese military said.
The move comes after Israeli defence minister Israel Katz said Tuesday he had authorised his military to "take control of additional strategic positions in Lebanon".
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