Israeli forces initiated an operation to capture a crucial town in southern Lebanon held by Hezbollah militants on Monday, escalating their campaign against the Iran-backed group ahead of significant discussions between Israeli and Lebanese government representatives. Beirut’s foreign minister pledged to push for a ceasefire during upcoming face-to-face talks in Washington between the Lebanese and Israeli ambassadors.
However, the prospects for the meeting, which marks a rare direct engagement between countries formally at war, have been clouded by Israel’s refusal to discuss a ceasefire while Hezbollah has opposed negotiations with Israel, underscoring escalating political tensions in Lebanon. On the battleground in southern Lebanon, the Israeli military surrounded the town of Bint Jbeil near the border and launched a ground offensive, aiming to gain full control within days as only a few militants remained in the area.
Meanwhile, a Red Cross center in Tyre, southern Lebanon, was reportedly struck during the conflict, resulting in one casualty. Israel’s military acknowledged targeting a Hezbollah member in Tyre but denied causing damage to the Red Cross facility. In a separate incident, a Hezbollah rocket hit a residential building in northern Israel, causing minor injuries to a woman. Israel’s military intercepted multiple drones and rockets launched from Lebanon towards its territory.
Seizing Bint Jbeil would enhance Israel’s control over the southeastern border of Lebanon, while the conflict has seen Hezbollah supporting Tehran since March 2. Israel’s military objective extends up to the Litani River in southern Lebanon, approximately 30 kilometers from its border. The ongoing assaults in Lebanon have not ceased, with Israel refraining from airstrikes on Beirut since a previous deadly offensive.
The United States, along with Pakistan’s prime minister as a mediator, clarified that the campaign against Hezbollah was distinct from the Iran-U.S. ceasefire. Ahead of the Washington meeting between Israeli and Lebanese ambassadors, seeking a ceasefire remains the primary focus, according to Lebanese officials. Lebanon’s efforts to secure a ceasefire through direct talks have faced resistance from Hezbollah and its allies, who oppose negotiations while the conflict continues.