Israel has been expanding its military presence in southern Lebanon after an increase in rocket attacks launched by the Hezbollah group from Lebanese territory.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have already moved to more than a dozen points in Lebanon and are likely to advance further, according to an Israeli official who spoke on condition of anonymity because these are military movements. According to a statement released by the IDF this Monday (16), the objective is to “reinforce an advanced defensive posture” against Hezbollah, an ally of Iran.
This is the latest step of escalation on a front that is now central to the war in the Middle East and a new sign that Israel’s actions in Lebanon could last longer than direct fighting against Iran.
Hezbollah began launching rockets at Israel in response to joint attacks by the United States and Israel that triggered the conflict just over two weeks ago. Since then, Israeli bombings in Lebanon have killed 850 people, according to the Lebanese government, and forced hundreds of thousands to flee their homes. Parts of Beirut were destroyed.
According to Nadav Shoshani, IDF spokesman, Hezbollah attacks have intensified in recent days, with the group launching around a hundred rockets and drones a day against Israel since the end of last week. About a third of the Israeli population lives within range of these weapons.
To date, Hezbollah attacks have killed two Israeli soldiers in southern Lebanon.
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Before that, Israel had already ordered the evacuation of all civilians living south of the Litani River, indicating its intention to occupy a border strip equivalent to around 10% of Lebanese territory.
Israeli forces say they need to be physically on Lebanese territory to prevent Hezbollah from resuming guided missile attacks like those that hit cities in northern Israel in clashes linked to the war in Gaza.
Shoshani said the assessment is that hundreds of Hezbollah fighters are moving south of Litani to confront Israeli troops or carry out new cross-border attacks.
Asked whether Israel’s military positions in Lebanon will be maintained after the threat is considered contained, Shoshani replied: “TBD.”
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