ALBAWABA- The Israel Defense Forces have begun a ground operation in southern Lebanon, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing confrontation with Hezbollah.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz confirmed the incursion, saying Israeli forces had launched the maneuver “to remove threats and protect residents of the Galilee and northern Israel.” He warned Hezbollah would “pay a heavy price” for its actions and accused the group of operating within an Iranian-backed alliance aimed at confronting Israel.
The move comes after the collapse of a ceasefire reached in November 2024 between Israel and Hezbollah, which had largely held until the outbreak of the wider conflict involving Iran in late February 2026.
#Lebanonnews: #Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz said the Israeli army has begun a ground maneuver in #Lebanon to remove threats and protect residents of the Galilee and northern Israel.https://t.co/LsN2fv1KRO
— LBCI Lebanon English (@LBCI_News_EN) March 16, 2026
Hezbollah said Israel’s actions amounted to a breach of the truce and justified reopening the front in coordination with Tehran, framing its campaign as part of the “axis of resistance.” Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem has vowed strong resistance, saying the group would not yield to Israeli advances and would continue military operations alongside Iran.
According to Lebanese health authorities and international monitors, Israeli strikes and the ground offensive over the past two weeks have killed more than 900 civilians in Lebanon. The fighting has displaced over one million people, creating a severe humanitarian crisis in southern Lebanon and the suburbs of Beirut.
Amid rising tensions, Emmanuel Macron said France is prepared to host direct talks between Lebanese and Israeli officials in Paris. Diplomatic sources say Beirut has signaled willingness to participate in negotiations aimed at securing an immediate ceasefire and preventing further regional escalation.
