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Israel Launches Ground Operations in Southern Lebanon as Fighting with Hezbollah Intensifies
Israel says its troops have begun limited ground operations in southern Lebanon near Khiam as clashes with Hezbollah escalate, with air strikes reported across several towns.
ND
by News Desk
2026-03-16
Israel Launches Ground Operations in Southern Lebanon as Fighting with Hezbollah Intensifies

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Monday announced that it had begun “limited and targeted ground operations” in southern Lebanon, as fighting with Hezbollah intensifies around the strategic town of Khiam.

According to reports from Al Jazeera, at least three air strikes hit the city of Khiam on Monday. The town is considered a Hezbollah stronghold and is strategically positioned near the Israeli border, making it a critical gateway to southern Lebanon.

The latest escalation follows a renewed outbreak of hostilities after Hezbollah launched rockets in response to the killing of Ali Khamenei, Iran’s supreme leader. Prior to the recent escalation, Hezbollah had largely refrained from attacking Israel since a 2024 ceasefire agreement brokered by the United States, despite accusations of repeated Israeli violations of the deal.

Israeli Air Strikes Across Southern Lebanon

On Monday morning, Israeli warplanes carried out two air raids on the town of Yater, though there were no immediate reports of casualties or damage.

Additional strikes were reported in several other towns across southern Lebanon, including Burj Qalawiya, Sultaniya, and Chaqra. Israeli forces also launched raids on Qantara and as-Sawana, according to local media reports.

In a statement, the Israeli military said troops from its 91st Division had begun limited ground operations targeting Hezbollah strongholds.

“This operation is part of the effort to establish a forward defence zone, which includes destroying terrorist infrastructure and eliminating terrorists,” the military said.

Israel’s Objectives

Later, Israel Katz, Israel’s defence minister, confirmed the start of the ground operation, saying it was aimed at eliminating threats and protecting residents of northern Israel.

“The IDF has begun a ground operation in Lebanon to eliminate threats and protect the residents of the Galilee and the North,” Katz said.

He also stated that hundreds of thousands of residents of southern Lebanon who have been evacuated from their homes would not be allowed to return south of the Litani River until security conditions improved.

Strategic Importance of Khiam

The town of Khiam sits on elevated terrain just a few kilometres from the Israeli border, providing a commanding view of northern Israel and surrounding Lebanese plains.

Its location also places it at a key road junction linking eastern and western sectors of southern Lebanon, including routes leading to the Bekaa Valley, an area where Hezbollah maintains strong influence.

Military analysts say controlling the town could allow Israeli forces to disrupt Hezbollah’s supply lines, limiting the group’s ability to move weapons and fighters into areas south of the Litani River.

Growing Humanitarian Impact

The escalating conflict has triggered a major humanitarian crisis, with more than 800,000 people displaced from their homes across southern Lebanon and parts of the capital Beirut following Israeli evacuation warnings.

According to reports, Israeli attacks in Lebanon have killed at least 850 people, including 107 children and 66 women, as the violence continues to intensify.
Tagged:

hezbollah

MiddleEastConflict

IsraelLebanon

Khiam
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