Israel deepens Lebanon offensive, seizing key positions beyond Litani River
Israel has dramatically escalated its ground offensive in Lebanon, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirming troops have crossed the Litani River and seized a strategic mountain near Nabatiyeh—the deepest incursion into Lebanese territory in over 25 years. The military now controls key positions south of the river, including a Crusader-era castle, as it expands operations to dismantle Hezbollah’s drone capabilities, Netanyahu said on Thursday .
The offensive continues despite a US-brokered ceasefire set to expire in early July, with Netanyahu vowing to press ahead as Hezbollah’s attacks persist. In the past 24 hours alone, the group claimed 37 strikes on Israeli military targets, including an Iron Dome air defense platform and troop concentrations, in retaliation for alleged Israeli ceasefire violations . Israel’s military has responded by requesting advanced US drone-defense systems after Hezbollah’s unmanned aircraft exposed gaps in its detection networks .
Diplomatic tensions are rising in parallel. During US-mediated talks, Israel rejected Lebanon’s demand for a troop withdrawal, insisting on maintaining its positions while pushing for direct communication channels and Hezbollah’s disarmament . The Lebanese government, which banned Hezbollah’s paramilitary wing in March 2026, has yet to publicly respond to the latest incursions.
The escalation follows months of cross-border clashes that have displaced tens of thousands on both sides. With the ceasefire’s expiration looming, Israeli officials frame the expanded offensive as a necessary step to degrade Hezbollah’s capabilities, while analysts warn of a potential wider regional conflict if diplomatic efforts fail.
Israel deepens Lebanon offensive, seizing key positions beyond Litani River
- france24
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