Israel Army Begins Operations Against Hezbollah In Southwest Lebanon

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria

The Israeli military announced on Tuesday, that it has expanded its ground operations against Hezbollah in southwestern Lebanon, following the deployment of additional troops along the country’s coastline.

The operation marks an escalation in Israel’s ongoing conflict with the Lebanon-based militant group.

In a statement on its official Telegram channel, the Israeli military’s 146th Division confirmed it had commenced “limited, localized, targeted operational activities” against Hezbollah targets and infrastructure in the region.

The division is the first reserve unit to be mobilized for the mission in southern Lebanon, with reports suggesting the total number of Israeli troops involved may now exceed 15,000.

The 146th Division has a history of service in Israel’s previous conflicts, having been deployed in Gaza and the occupied West Bank.

Its involvement signals a more intensive phase in Israel’s broader military strategy against Hezbollah, which has been ongoing since late September.

Israeli ground operations in southern Lebanon began on September 30, initially focused on the south and southeast of the country.

The military has described these operations as “limited and targeted raids” aimed at disrupting Hezbollah’s network and infrastructure in the region.

However, with the latest expansion to southwestern Lebanon, the conflict has now broadened, increasing tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border.

Details regarding the number of troops and the scope of the operations remain undisclosed by the Israeli military. However, local sources indicate that the move has heightened fears of a wider escalation in the already volatile region.