Daijiworld Media Network - Jerusalem
Jerusalem, May 12: The Israeli military said on Tuesday that its troops carried out a multi-day operation in southern Lebanon’s Litani River region, targeting what it described as militant infrastructure linked to Hezbollah, even as tensions persist despite a ceasefire.
In an official statement, the Israel Defense Forces said the operation focused on “clearing terrorist infrastructure” and establishing operational control in the area south of the Litani River.
According to the military, the raid took place over the past week in areas just beyond what Israel calls the “yellow line,” located roughly 10 kilometres north of the Israeli border, where Israeli troops remain deployed.
The operation reportedly included ground activity near river crossings, with images released by the army showing soldiers moving along a bridge and tanks positioned near the riverbank. The military said it was unable to confirm reports that troops had crossed further north beyond the Litani River itself.
Israeli media reports suggested that forces had advanced near the outskirts of Zawtar al-Sharqiyah, though this has not been officially verified by the army.
The military claimed its forces uncovered multiple sites allegedly used by Hezbollah, including underground tunnels, weapons storage facilities, missile launch positions, and other military infrastructure. It also stated that more than 100 targets were struck during the operation.
Additionally, the IDF said its troops engaged in close-range combat, eliminating “dozens of terrorists” with support from air operations.
Despite a ceasefire agreement in place since April 17 between Israel and Lebanon, cross-border exchanges of fire have continued in southern Lebanon.
The Lebanese health ministry has reported that Israeli strikes have killed 380 people since the ceasefire began, according to local officials.
On the Israeli side, the military said five soldiers have been killed in southern Lebanon since the truce took effect.
Tensions escalated after Hezbollah reportedly launched rockets toward Israel earlier in March, prompting Israeli airstrikes and a ground offensive in response, further intensifying the conflict.
In a separate development, the Israeli military said it detected an unsuccessful attempt to fire a surface-to-air missile at an Israeli Air Force aircraft, adding that no injuries or damage were reported.
Military spokesperson Avichay Adraee also issued fresh evacuation warnings for several villages in southern Lebanon, urging civilians to leave areas near ongoing military operations.