Lebanon War

Division 91 troops are dismantling terror infrastructure to create a security buffer for communities along the northern border.

The president approved the ground incursion as early as last week and also authorized expanding it if necessary. Israeli officials threatened to seize Lebanese territory in response to heavy Hezbollah rocket barrages.

Hezbollah stepped up its rocket fire on northern Israel in an apparent attempt to divert attention from Iran and gain leverage ahead of renewed ceasefire negotiations, Israeli political officials said, as Jerusalem warned it could respond by seizing territory in southern Lebanon.

While residents of southern Lebanon have been pushed north of the Litani River, the reality on the ground is far from decisive. The proposed solution: a broad deployment across the area so Hezbollah cannot control key points.

Sgt. 1st Class Maher Khater of Majdal Shams and Staff Sgt. Or Damari of Liman were killed when unknown missiles hit troops evacuating a disabled vehicle from a southern Lebanon outpost; a combat officer was lightly wounded as airstrikes followed.

Home Front Command warns rocket and drone attacks from Lebanon are set to increase, even as the Iranian front shows signs of tapering off.

Israeli officials are rejecting a statement by the Lebanese army claiming that the “objectives of the first phase” have been achieved, stressing that at this stage Israel is acting in accordance with US guidelines.

As the Lebanese Armed Forces declare southern Lebanon free of Hezbollah weapons, Israeli officials are preparing a counter-move designed to expose what they call a false presentation. With the IDF already primed for strikes against Hezbollah targets, Jerusalem is now maneuvering to secure international legitimacy before giving the order to launch.

Terror group violated ceasefire 2,000 times since November truce. IDF combat ready should Netanyahu decide on multi-day operation targeting terrorist organization, including in Beirut, after ultimatum expires.

The target was identified as Hussein Mahmoud Marshad al-Jawhari, a key operative in the Quds Force’s operations unit. He was killed together with another terrorist, Majed Qansoua, according to Israeli officials.