Israel has stated that Lebanese citizens displaced by its military operations must wait to return home until the safety of Israeli residents near the border is guaranteed. Israeli troops have expanded their presence in southern Lebanon over two weeks into the ongoing offensive.
According to Israeli military spokesperson Lt.-Col. Nadav Shoshani, ground operations are now underway in new areas, characterized as limited and targeted. This escalation followed Defense Minister Israel Katz’s directive to intensify the campaign, warning of potential territorial losses and infrastructure damage if Hezbollah remains armed.
After Hezbollah launched rockets on March 2, prompting an Israeli response, Israel deployed additional forces to Lebanon, escalating the conflict. Hezbollah cited retaliation for the killing of Iran’s supreme leader and has engaged in attacks against Israel, leading to widespread destruction and casualties in Lebanon.
Lebanon’s Justice Minister Adel Nassar criticized Israel’s actions, describing them as disproportionate and emphasizing the need for diplomatic solutions. The ongoing conflict has resulted in significant casualties and displacement, with over 800,000 individuals forced from their homes, particularly in southern Lebanon and areas near Beirut.
Israeli military operations aim to safeguard northern Israel from Hezbollah attacks, which have included numerous rockets and drones targeting Israeli territory. The death toll in Lebanon continues to rise, with a significant number of casualties among children and women, and a growing count of injured individuals.
Israeli forces have advanced further into southern Lebanon, engaging in clashes with Hezbollah fighters in key locations. Talks for a potential ceasefire and disarmament of Hezbollah are expected between Israel and Lebanon, although the exact timing remains uncertain.
The conflict stems from unresolved issues following a ceasefire agreement in 2024, where Hezbollah was supposed to withdraw from southern Lebanon. However, Israel accuses Lebanon of failing to uphold its end of the agreement, leading to ongoing hostilities and airstrikes.