May 26, 2026, 5:19 p.mMay 26, 2026, 5:19 p.m
Explosions caused by an Israeli airstrike in Lebanon. (05/24/2026)Image: www.imago-images.de
Israel’s army has expanded its ground operations in neighboring Lebanon. The aim is to ward off the direct threat to Israeli citizens and Israeli soldiers, a military representative told the German Press Agency.
Lebanese security circles said that serious Israeli attacks in the south indicated a possible expansion of the ground offensive towards the north. It is said that there have been at least 20 attacks since the Israeli army called for the evacuation of the city of Nabatija. There are concerns in Lebanon about another permanent occupation of the south. Israel invaded the neighboring country in 1982 and only withdrew again in 2000.
The Israeli military official said that the army had begun “targeted” operations in areas beyond the so-called “yellow line,” which runs six to 10 kilometers from the Israeli border in southern Lebanon. Israeli ground troops had already been stationed behind this line. Dozens of Lebanese villages are also located in this zone.
Reports: Also operations north of the Litani River
According to several media outlets, Israeli ground forces are also expected to carry out operations north of the Litani River. This runs about 30 kilometers north of the Israeli border. According to a previous agreement, Hezbollah fighters were supposed to retreat behind this river. Among other things, the Israeli news site “ynet” reported that the aim of expanding ground operations was also to take action against the explosive drones used by Hezbollah and to further push back the Iranian-backed militia.
In the afternoon, Israel’s army again reported shelling by several drones loaded with explosives from the Iranian-backed militia.
On Monday evening, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that attacks on Hezbollah would be intensified. There has actually been a ceasefire in the war between Israel and Hezbollah since April 2026. However, the mutual attacks did not stop. (sda/dpa)