The Israeli military has begun ground operations in southern Lebanon, claiming the mission is to confront Hezbollah and dismantle terrorist infrastructure.
On 16 Mar 2026, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) issued a statement via the Telegram app announcing the start of a limited and targeted ground operation in southern Lebanon to address key Hezbollah strongholds.
The IDF revealed that it launched concentrated strikes on "numerous terrorist targets" in the area before deploying troops into southern Lebanon. The operation aims to strengthen frontline defenses and destroy terrorist infrastructure in the region.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that hundreds of thousands of Lebanese residents who have been evacuated or are in the process of evacuation from southern Lebanon will not be allowed to return south of the Litani River until the safety of northern Israeli residents is guaranteed.
Israel resumed intensified strikes in southern Lebanon, near its northern border, on 2 Mar, less than 48 hours after U.S. and Israeli air forces launched attacks on Iran, which prompted Hezbollah, backed by Iran, to fire six rockets into Israel.
The Lebanese Ministry of Health reported on Sunday (15 Mar) that at least 850 people, including 107 children, have died in Lebanon since the conflict began.
Katz further stated that the IDF has initiated a "ground strategy operation" in Lebanon to "eliminate threats" and protect civilians in northern Israel.
"Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and I have ordered the Israeli military to destroy terrorist infrastructure in villages along the Lebanese border," Katz said.
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