Tel Aviv/Beirut, May 26, (dpa/GNA) – The Israeli army has expanded its ground operations in neighbouring Lebanon, despite a ceasefire, a military spokesman told dpa on Tuesday, saying the aim is to counter what it described as a direct threat to Israeli civilians and soldiers.
Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, confirmed in the evening that the country was stepping up its operations in southern Lebanon. Earlier, the Health Ministry in Beirut, reported that Israeli airstrikes had killed 11 people in south-eastern Lebanon, as fears mounted of a further escalation between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah.
Lebanese security sources said heavy Israeli attacks in the south pointed to a possible expansion of the ground offensive northwards.
There have been at least 20 attacks since the Israeli military issued a call for residents of the city of Nabatieh, to evacuate shortly after midday, they added. In Lebanon, there are fears of a renewed long-term occupation of the south.
Israel invaded its neighbour in 1982, and only withdrew in 2000. The Israeli military spokesman said the army had also begun “targeted” operations in areas beyond the so-called Yellow Line, which runs six to 10 kilometres from the Israeli border into southern Lebanon.
Israeli ground troops had previously been stationed behind this line. Dozens of Lebanese villages are located in this zone.
According to several media outlets, Israeli ground troops are also said to be carrying out operations north of the Litani River. This runs about 30 kilometres north of the Israeli border.
Under an earlier agreement, Hezbollah fighters were supposed to withdraw behind the river. The Israeli news site ynet reported that the aim of expanding ground operations, was to counter the explosive-laden drones deployed by Hezbollah, and to further push back the militia.
Hezbollah claimed it had attacked Israeli troops and military vehicles in the south with rockets, drones and artillery. Meanwhile, Israel’s army reported renewed attacks on Tuesday afternoon, involving several explosive-laden Hezbollah drones.
The National Authority for the Litani River, warned of the risks of continued strikes near the Qaraoun Dam, after roads adjacent to the facility were hit. It said the road is part of the dam’s infrastructure and requires close technical monitoring to ensure safety. Any damage to the dam could have “catastrophic” consequences for downstream communities and critical water, energy and irrigation systems, it added.
On Monday evening, Netanyahu announced that attacks on Hezbollah would be intensified. Numerous residents from the southern suburbs of the capital Beirut left their homes during the night, out of fear of Israeli attacks.
Hezbollah has a strong presence in that area.
In mid-March, shortly after the United States and Israel attacked Iran, Hezbollah attacked Israel, and Israel retaliated. In mid-April, the Israeli and Lebanese governments agreed to a ceasefire. The Lebanese government is not a party to the conflict and Hezbollah did not sign the agreement.
The Iran-backed Shiite militia rejects negotiations with Israel. Since the ceasefire, attacks have continued from both sides.
In Lebanon, almost 3,200 deaths have been reported since early March. Observers fear that a further intensification of the fighting between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, could also make it harder to conclude the ongoing negotiations between the US and Iran on ending the war.
Tehran insists that the proposed framework agreement must cover both the war with the US and Israel, and Israel’s conflict with Hezbollah.
GNA