Israel expands ground operation beyond security zone in Lebanon

Israeli soldiers have begun ground operations beyond the "Yellow Line" - the border of the country's "military security zone" in southern Lebanon, an Israeli military official told CNN.

The source added that the aim of expanding these operations - which he defined as "targeted" - is to move the danger of Hezbollah's explosive drones away from the border and thus "eliminate direct threats".

This comes amid an increase in shootings at Israeli communities along the border in recent days.

Hezbollah said on Tuesday (26) that it attacked Israeli forces advancing towards the city of Zawtar al-Sharqiya, in the south of the country, with explosive drones, rockets and artillery.

The Yellow Line runs from east to west, a few kilometers north of the border between Israel and Lebanon, crossing the Litani River. Around 55 towns and villages south of this demarcation are under Israeli control.

Israeli forces had largely chosen not to operate beyond the "Yellow Line" and north of the Litani River in recent weeks, following requests from the United States, which is mediating direct negotiations between Israel and Lebanon.

However, as CNN previously reported, Israel has decided to intensify operations against Hezbollah's drone infrastructure, in actions coordinated with the US.

The Israel Defense Forces reported on Tuesday (26) that they attacked more than 100 armed group targets in Lebanon overnight and issued extensive evacuation orders to residents of the city of Nabatieh, in the south of the country.

The military warned that anyone near Hezbollah agents or facilities could be putting their lives at risk.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Monday (25) that he would intensify the attacks.

*with information from Reuters

Understand what Hezbollah is and how the Lebanese group came about

Source: CNN