Israel & Lebanon
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Israel & Lebanon
https://www.axios.com/2026/03/14/isr...sion-hezbollah
Israel planning massive ground invasion of Lebanon, officials say
Israel is planning to significantly expand its ground operation in Lebanon, aiming to seize the entire area south of the Litani River and dismantle Hezbollah's military infrastructure, Israeli and U.S. officials say.
Why it matters
.
It could be the largest Israeli ground invasion of its northern neighbor since 2006, dragging Lebanon to the epicenter of the escalating war with Iran. "We are going to do what we did in Gaza," a senior Israeli official said, referring to the flattening of buildings Israel says Hezbollah uses to store weapons and launch attacks.
.
The big picture
An operation of this size and scale could lead to a prolonged Israeli occupation of southern Lebanon. Lebanon's government is deeply alarmed that the renewed war — triggered by Hezbollah's decision to launch rockets at Israel — will devastate the country. The Trump administration backs a major Israeli operation to disarm Hezbollah, but is also pressing to limit the damage to the Lebanese state and pushing for direct Israel-Lebanon talks on a postwar agreement.
Driving the news
.
Until days ago, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's governmentwas still trying to contain the Lebanon escalation in order to stay focused on Iran, according to Israeli officials. That calculus changed Wednesday when Hezbollah launched more than 200 missiles in a massive coordinated attack with Iran, which fired dozens of its own.
"Before this attack we were ready for a ceasefire in Lebanon, but after it there is no way back from a massive operation," a senior Israeli official said.
State of play
.
The IDF has had three armored and infantry divisions on the Lebanese border since the start of the Iran war, with some ground forces conducting limited incursions over the past two weeks. On Friday, the IDF announced it's sending reinforcements to the border and mobilizing additional reserves ahead of the expanded ground operation.
"The goal is to take over territory, push Hezbollah's forces north and away from the border, and dismantle its military positions and weapons depots in the villages," the official said.
The other side
.
Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem said Friday that the Lebanese government's diplomatic track had failed to achieve sovereignty or protect Lebanese civilians — and therefore "there is no solution except resistance."
"When the enemy threatens a ground invasion, we tell him: this is not a threat, but one of the traps you will fall into," Qassem said. "Because every advance of a ground invasion allows the resistance fighters to achieve gains and results through close confrontation with the enemy."
Zoom in
The IDF has issued evacuation orders across southern Lebanon and — for the first time — to villages and towns north of the Litani River, as well as to Hezbollah's stronghold in Beirut's southern suburbs. Around 800,000 Lebanese civilians have been displaced since the start of the conflict. At least 773 people have been killed, many of them civilians.Behind the scenes
.
The Trump administration asked Israel not to bomb Beirut's international airport or other Lebanese state infrastructure during the operation, U.S. and Israeli officials say. U.S. officials said Israel agreed to spare the airport — but stopped short of committing to protect other state infrastructure. On Friday, the IDF bombed a bridge in southern Lebanon it claimed Hezbollah was using to move forces and weapons.
An Israeli official said they will consult with Washington on a case-by-case basis: "We feel we have full U.S. backing for this operation," the official told Axios.
"The Israelis have to do what they have to do to stop the Hezbollah shelling," a U.S. official said.
The intrigue
.
Netanyahu has tasked former minister Ron Dermer with managing the Lebanese file during the war, according to U.S. and Israeli officials. Dermer will handle contacts with the Trump administration and lead any negotiations with the Lebanese government if direct talks begin in the coming weeks, the officials said.
On the American side, the file is being managed by Trump adviser Massad Boulos, who is also the U.S. envoy for Africa. Boulos, who is Tiffany Trump's father-in-law, has been in contact with Israeli, Lebanese and Arab officials in recent days to facilitate direct talks between Israel and Lebanon.
What to watch
.
The Lebanese government has indicated in recent days it is ready to hold direct talks on the terms of a ceasefire with Israel, immediately and without preconditions. Sources say the Trump administration wants to use those negotiations to lay the groundwork for a broader deal that would formally end the state of war between Israel and Lebanon — ongoing since 1948.
Israel is planning to significantly expand its ground operation in Lebanon, aiming to seize the entire area south of the Litani River and dismantle Hezbollah's military infrastructure, Israeli and U.S. officials say.
Why it matters
.
It could be the largest Israeli ground invasion of its northern neighbor since 2006, dragging Lebanon to the epicenter of the escalating war with Iran. "We are going to do what we did in Gaza," a senior Israeli official said, referring to the flattening of buildings Israel says Hezbollah uses to store weapons and launch attacks.
.
The big picture
An operation of this size and scale could lead to a prolonged Israeli occupation of southern Lebanon. Lebanon's government is deeply alarmed that the renewed war — triggered by Hezbollah's decision to launch rockets at Israel — will devastate the country. The Trump administration backs a major Israeli operation to disarm Hezbollah, but is also pressing to limit the damage to the Lebanese state and pushing for direct Israel-Lebanon talks on a postwar agreement.
Driving the news
.
Until days ago, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's governmentwas still trying to contain the Lebanon escalation in order to stay focused on Iran, according to Israeli officials. That calculus changed Wednesday when Hezbollah launched more than 200 missiles in a massive coordinated attack with Iran, which fired dozens of its own.
"Before this attack we were ready for a ceasefire in Lebanon, but after it there is no way back from a massive operation," a senior Israeli official said.
State of play
.
The IDF has had three armored and infantry divisions on the Lebanese border since the start of the Iran war, with some ground forces conducting limited incursions over the past two weeks. On Friday, the IDF announced it's sending reinforcements to the border and mobilizing additional reserves ahead of the expanded ground operation.
"The goal is to take over territory, push Hezbollah's forces north and away from the border, and dismantle its military positions and weapons depots in the villages," the official said.
The other side
.
Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem said Friday that the Lebanese government's diplomatic track had failed to achieve sovereignty or protect Lebanese civilians — and therefore "there is no solution except resistance."
"When the enemy threatens a ground invasion, we tell him: this is not a threat, but one of the traps you will fall into," Qassem said. "Because every advance of a ground invasion allows the resistance fighters to achieve gains and results through close confrontation with the enemy."
Zoom in
The IDF has issued evacuation orders across southern Lebanon and — for the first time — to villages and towns north of the Litani River, as well as to Hezbollah's stronghold in Beirut's southern suburbs. Around 800,000 Lebanese civilians have been displaced since the start of the conflict. At least 773 people have been killed, many of them civilians.Behind the scenes
.
The Trump administration asked Israel not to bomb Beirut's international airport or other Lebanese state infrastructure during the operation, U.S. and Israeli officials say. U.S. officials said Israel agreed to spare the airport — but stopped short of committing to protect other state infrastructure. On Friday, the IDF bombed a bridge in southern Lebanon it claimed Hezbollah was using to move forces and weapons.
An Israeli official said they will consult with Washington on a case-by-case basis: "We feel we have full U.S. backing for this operation," the official told Axios.
"The Israelis have to do what they have to do to stop the Hezbollah shelling," a U.S. official said.
The intrigue
.
Netanyahu has tasked former minister Ron Dermer with managing the Lebanese file during the war, according to U.S. and Israeli officials. Dermer will handle contacts with the Trump administration and lead any negotiations with the Lebanese government if direct talks begin in the coming weeks, the officials said.
On the American side, the file is being managed by Trump adviser Massad Boulos, who is also the U.S. envoy for Africa. Boulos, who is Tiffany Trump's father-in-law, has been in contact with Israeli, Lebanese and Arab officials in recent days to facilitate direct talks between Israel and Lebanon.
What to watch
.
The Lebanese government has indicated in recent days it is ready to hold direct talks on the terms of a ceasefire with Israel, immediately and without preconditions. Sources say the Trump administration wants to use those negotiations to lay the groundwork for a broader deal that would formally end the state of war between Israel and Lebanon — ongoing since 1948.
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8th April 2026, 17:00
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Ground operation has begun.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/idf-be...nst-hezbollah/
https://www.timesofisrael.com/idf-be...nst-hezbollah/
IDF begins ‘targeted ground operation’ to expand south Lebanon buffer against Hezbollah
Katz says displaced Lebanese will not return to area until residents of Israel’s north are safe; IDF strikes terror infrastructure in Beirut
The Israel Defense Forces said Monday it had begun a “targeted ground operation against key targets” in southern Lebanon, pushing more forces deeper into the area as part of an expanded buffer zone, after the Hezbollah terror group began attacking Israel earlier this month amid the US-Israeli war with Iran.
Defense Minister Israel Katz said the operation would continue until Hezbollah no longer poses a threat to the residents of northern Israel, and said displaced Lebanese would not return to their homes until then.
The 91st “Galilee” Regional Division began a raid late Saturday in the eastern sector of southern Lebanon, during which troops encountered and killed several Hezbollah operatives, according to the military. The IDF said the operation was aimed at expanding “the forward defense area.”
“This operation is part of the effort to establish forward defense, including the destruction of terror infrastructure and the elimination of terrorists operating in the area, to remove threats and create an additional layer of security for residents of the north,” the military said.
Before the troops pushed into the area, the IDF said it carried out massive airstrikes and artillery shelling “to remove threats.” Meanwhile, the 146th Reserve Division remains deployed to the western sector of southern Lebanon, and the 36th Division has been carrying out a raid in the eastern sector.
The defense minister, after holding an assessment with army brass, said: “The IDF has begun a ground maneuver in Lebanon to remove threats and protect the residents of the Galilee and the north.”
“Hundreds of thousands of Shiite residents of south Lebanon who have evacuated and are evacuating from their homes will not return to the area south of the Litani [River] until the safety of the residents of the north is guaranteed,” Katz said.
He added that the operation in south Lebanon is meant to resemble the military’s operations in Gaza during its two-year war against Hamas.
Katz said that he and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have told the military to destroy terror infrastructure close to the border in order to prevent Hezbollah’s return, “just as was done against Hamas in Rafah, Beit Hanoun and the terror tunnels in Gaza.”
The defense minister vowed to restore a sense of security to the residents of northern Israel, saying that Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem is hiding underground as his actions make over a million Lebanese “refugees in their own country.”
Katz said that if the Hezbollah chief misses his predecessor Hassan Nasrallah and former Iranian supreme leader Ali Khamenei, both of whom were killed by Israel, “he will soon be able to meet them in the depths of hell.”
Hezbollah will pay a “heavy price” for its efforts to destroy Israel, Katz said…….
Katz says displaced Lebanese will not return to area until residents of Israel’s north are safe; IDF strikes terror infrastructure in Beirut
The Israel Defense Forces said Monday it had begun a “targeted ground operation against key targets” in southern Lebanon, pushing more forces deeper into the area as part of an expanded buffer zone, after the Hezbollah terror group began attacking Israel earlier this month amid the US-Israeli war with Iran.
Defense Minister Israel Katz said the operation would continue until Hezbollah no longer poses a threat to the residents of northern Israel, and said displaced Lebanese would not return to their homes until then.
The 91st “Galilee” Regional Division began a raid late Saturday in the eastern sector of southern Lebanon, during which troops encountered and killed several Hezbollah operatives, according to the military. The IDF said the operation was aimed at expanding “the forward defense area.”
“This operation is part of the effort to establish forward defense, including the destruction of terror infrastructure and the elimination of terrorists operating in the area, to remove threats and create an additional layer of security for residents of the north,” the military said.
Before the troops pushed into the area, the IDF said it carried out massive airstrikes and artillery shelling “to remove threats.” Meanwhile, the 146th Reserve Division remains deployed to the western sector of southern Lebanon, and the 36th Division has been carrying out a raid in the eastern sector.
The defense minister, after holding an assessment with army brass, said: “The IDF has begun a ground maneuver in Lebanon to remove threats and protect the residents of the Galilee and the north.”
“Hundreds of thousands of Shiite residents of south Lebanon who have evacuated and are evacuating from their homes will not return to the area south of the Litani [River] until the safety of the residents of the north is guaranteed,” Katz said.
He added that the operation in south Lebanon is meant to resemble the military’s operations in Gaza during its two-year war against Hamas.
Katz said that he and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have told the military to destroy terror infrastructure close to the border in order to prevent Hezbollah’s return, “just as was done against Hamas in Rafah, Beit Hanoun and the terror tunnels in Gaza.”
The defense minister vowed to restore a sense of security to the residents of northern Israel, saying that Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem is hiding underground as his actions make over a million Lebanese “refugees in their own country.”
Katz said that if the Hezbollah chief misses his predecessor Hassan Nasrallah and former Iranian supreme leader Ali Khamenei, both of whom were killed by Israel, “he will soon be able to meet them in the depths of hell.”
Hezbollah will pay a “heavy price” for its efforts to destroy Israel, Katz said…….
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From: Texas
This escalation has the potential to do terminal damage to Lebanon. Hezbollah is not going to go away quietly. With Syria trying to put itself back together, and larger amounts of conflict looming, where will all of the refugees flee to?
By Thanassis Cambanis, the director of Century International.
March 16, 2026, 10:18 AM
It's a long article which I'll drop into a spoiler.
TLDR: assessment is that Hezbollah, while not getting the usual level of support from Iran due to current ops, is well enough equipped and organized to keep doing damage in Lebanon as the Israelis head north, once again, to deal with their nemesis. Lebanon will take another blow, collectively. As before the IDF will have air superiority, but that doesn't change how much of a meat grinder southern Lebanon continues to be.
The U.S. War on Iran Has Put the Lebanese Government in a Bind
The U.S. War on Iran Has Put the Lebanese Government in a Bind
It can neither protect Lebanon from Israel nor disarm Hezbollah.
March 16, 2026, 10:18 AM
It's a long article which I'll drop into a spoiler.
TLDR: assessment is that Hezbollah, while not getting the usual level of support from Iran due to current ops, is well enough equipped and organized to keep doing damage in Lebanon as the Israelis head north, once again, to deal with their nemesis. Lebanon will take another blow, collectively. As before the IDF will have air superiority, but that doesn't change how much of a meat grinder southern Lebanon continues to be.
Spoiler
Last edited by T28B; 19th March 2026 at 20:16. Reason: cleaned up small formatting hitch
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Ecce Homo! Loquitur...
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Standing reporting in front of a semi-demolished bridge when IAF came back to finish the job....
Update: "RT reports its correspondent Steve Sweeney and a cameraman were wounded in an Israeli strike in southern Lebanon today. Lebanon’s state news agency says two journalists were lightly injured during an IDF strike on the al-Qasmiya bridge."
Video
Update: "RT reports its correspondent Steve Sweeney and a cameraman were wounded in an Israeli strike in southern Lebanon today. Lebanon’s state news agency says two journalists were lightly injured during an IDF strike on the al-Qasmiya bridge."
Video
In Lebanon, an Israeli missile landed right next to propagandists from "Russia Today".
Last edited by ORAC; 19th March 2026 at 13:19.
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From: troposphere
Israel will now occupy southern Lebanon from the Blue Line to the Litani River. It has already destroyed several
bridges over the Litani River.
https://www.reuters.com/world/middle...ys-2026-03-24/
bridges over the Litani River.
TEL AVIV/BEIRUT, March 24 (Reuters) - Israel's military will occupy southern Lebanon up to the Litani River, defence minister Israel Katz said !on Tuesday, the first time Israel has clearly spelled out its intent to seize swathes of territory that make up nearly a tenth of Lebanon.
Katz has previously threatened Lebanon's government it would lose territory if it did not disarm Hezbollah, the militant group backed by Tehran that drew Lebanon into the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran when it fired into Israel on March 2.
Katz has previously threatened Lebanon's government it would lose territory if it did not disarm Hezbollah, the militant group backed by Tehran that drew Lebanon into the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran when it fired into Israel on March 2.
https://www.reuters.com/world/middle...ys-2026-03-24/
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TWT, didn't we see this same play back in about 1982? (Maybe in 1978?)
Do you think Israel is going to fill in the whole zone from before?
I don't see much role for the much maligned UNIFIL folks.
I'll check and see if they have been evacuated.
EDIT: Nope. Still reporting violations.
Do you think Israel is going to fill in the whole zone from before?
I don't see much role for the much maligned UNIFIL folks.
I'll check and see if they have been evacuated.
EDIT: Nope. Still reporting violations.
As UNIFIL marks a somber Establishment Day today, without the usual ceremony in Naqoura due to ongoing hostilities, its peacekeepers are on task and supporting efforts geared toward security and stability and peace on both sides of the Blue Line, despite a “worrying number” of violations of Security Council Resolution 1701. “Our peacekeepers are on the ground and we continue to impartially report these to the Security Council,” said Head of…
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From: troposphere
LW, I have no idea of the intentions of Israel right now. It's clear they've decided they want a buffer zone free of Hezbollah
members and they seem to be very determined to clear the entire zone as soon as possible. Unfortunately, that has come
at the expense of the innocent civilian population. Perhaps it will follow the Gaza playbook, I hope not.
members and they seem to be very determined to clear the entire zone as soon as possible. Unfortunately, that has come
at the expense of the innocent civilian population. Perhaps it will follow the Gaza playbook, I hope not.
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From: Texas
Likewise.
Ever since the Hashemites funneled the PLA towards Lebanon, Lebanon has gotten the raw end of the deal. That's been a 55 years long problem...not seeing the current moves by Israel as bringing any relief.
Ever since the Hashemites funneled the PLA towards Lebanon, Lebanon has gotten the raw end of the deal. That's been a 55 years long problem...not seeing the current moves by Israel as bringing any relief.
Last edited by T28B; 25th March 2026 at 12:29. Reason: fixed your grammar
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From: Cork
Pedro Sanchez, the Spanish PM sums it up quite well
Spain’s prime minister, Pedro Sanchez, has accused Benjamin Netanyahu of seeking to “inflict the same level of damage and destruction” on Lebanon as Israeli forces had wrought on Gaza.
Tens of thousands of Palestinians were killed in Israeli attacks in the two-year war in Gaza, with millions displaced and much of the strip destroyed, leading to accusations of genocide which Israel has denied.
Speaking to the Spanish parliament earlier today, Sanchez said Israel’s expanded military offence against Hezbollah in neighbouring Lebanon was going down a similar path.
“This is not the same scenario as the illegal war in Iraq. We are facing something far worse. Much worse. With a potential impact that is far broader and far deeper,” said Sanchez, who has long been one of the most vocal critics of Israel’s actions in Gaza.
Pedro Sanchez addresses the Spanish parliament over the war in the Middle East, as he warned it presented a ‘far worse’ scenario than the invasion of Iraq in 2003. Photograph: Thomas Coex/AFP/Getty Images
He added that Iran’s new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, was “equally dictatorial and even more bloodthirsty” than his predecessor and father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in US-Israeli strikes at the start of the current conflict.
The US-Israeli war on Iran “is an absolute disaster”, Sanchez said, adding: “And all for what? To undermine international law, destabilise the Middle East, reignite conflicts in Iraq and Lebanon, and bury Gaza under the rubble of oblivion and indifference.”
Tens of thousands of Palestinians were killed in Israeli attacks in the two-year war in Gaza, with millions displaced and much of the strip destroyed, leading to accusations of genocide which Israel has denied.
Speaking to the Spanish parliament earlier today, Sanchez said Israel’s expanded military offence against Hezbollah in neighbouring Lebanon was going down a similar path.
“This is not the same scenario as the illegal war in Iraq. We are facing something far worse. Much worse. With a potential impact that is far broader and far deeper,” said Sanchez, who has long been one of the most vocal critics of Israel’s actions in Gaza.
Pedro Sanchez addresses the Spanish parliament over the war in the Middle East, as he warned it presented a ‘far worse’ scenario than the invasion of Iraq in 2003. Photograph: Thomas Coex/AFP/Getty ImagesHe added that Iran’s new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, was “equally dictatorial and even more bloodthirsty” than his predecessor and father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in US-Israeli strikes at the start of the current conflict.
The US-Israeli war on Iran “is an absolute disaster”, Sanchez said, adding: “And all for what? To undermine international law, destabilise the Middle East, reignite conflicts in Iraq and Lebanon, and bury Gaza under the rubble of oblivion and indifference.”
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From: Texas
He makes an interesting critique.
What is Spain going to do about it?
They did, IIRC, not agree to allow the US to base their combat aircraft for the Iran conflict in Spain, but I don't see Spain doing anything about Israel in Lebanon.
What is Spain going to do about it?
They did, IIRC, not agree to allow the US to base their combat aircraft for the Iran conflict in Spain, but I don't see Spain doing anything about Israel in Lebanon.
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Prior to this Iran go around, September of 2025 to be exact, he was underwater with the electorate, 46% of those surveyed voted no confidence in him.
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He might be doing it for votes. But what he's saying is absolutely correct. Why not call them out, when so many won't have the guts to? Highlighting and condemning the US and Israel's actions is enough of a start. Many other countries have already spoken up.
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Ecce Homo! Loquitur...
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From: Peripatetic
.............
Over the past 2 days the IDF has advanced deeper into Southern Lebanon along 3 particular attack vectors. These penetrations share a common denominator: Israeli infantry and armored vehicles were able to push towards rear positions after taking over a towns that served as forward fortresses near higher-elevated portions of the Lebanese border.
Once IDF consolidated control over those towns they "unlocked" access to roads and ridges that conncted to the next targets. This approach of infiltrating at depth has its drawbacks as the attacks occur along narrow routes, meaning the advancing convoys haven't fully secured their flanks. This could lead to ATGM ambushes, and it leaves Israeli infantry/vehicles more exposed to mortar and FPV strikes.
> 146th Division advanced along the Tyre coastal road, passing through western Naqoura and the abandoned town of Iskandarounah in the process. They advanced at least 7.5km past the Lebanese border, making it to the southern outskirts of al-Bayada. Hezbollah claimed they ambushed and landed direct hits on Israeli forces that made it all the way to the western outskirts of Shamaa, near the UNIFIL 2-3 outpost.
> In tandem the 226th Reserve Paratroopers Brigade is advancing through western Aalma ash-Shaab towards the heights surrounding the Jijim hamlet. The goal is to establish forward positions on a ridge that is on similar elevation to Hezbollah's strongholds in Tayr Harfa. This Israeli pincer manuever has now left Hezbollah's vanguard forces in Hamoul and the northeastern outskirts of Naqoura in a compromised position.
> The 162nd Armored Division has largely been deployed to the western sector of the Lebanese border (84th Givati Brigade is still operating around Khiam). The 401st Armored Brigade is advancing from al-Qouzah to the southern outskirts of Rchaf.
> The furthest extent of their infiltration so far has been to Khillet Al-Jawhar, where Hezbollah claimed they were able to direct hit an Israeli force. Hezbollah also says they hit 2 Merkavas within Debel itself, but without visual proof or a statement from the locals I won't mark Israeli presence inside the town's center. It's likely the 401st Brigade did pass through the northern outskirts of Debel as they approaching Rchaf, though.
> Some of the deepest infiltrations were seen on the Touline axis due its proximity to highly-elevated Hezbollah ATGM/mortar positions on the northern bank of the Litani River. For instance Hezbollah anti-tank fire killed 1 soldier from the 77th Battalion of the 7th Armored Brigade and wounded 4 other crewmembers of a Merkava tank, likely in Taybeh. The missiles were launched from a height north of the Litani.
> The 36th Division used their forward positions in al-Faqaani to push westwards into Deir Seryan. They were met with stiff resistance from the vanguard cells of the Radwan Unit & Nasser Division. During these close-quarters clashes Hezbollah killed an Israeli soldier from the 631st Patrol Battalion of the Golani Brigade. IDF has entered most of the town, reaching as far as the local pond.
> The 7th Armored Brigade is likely responsible for the deepest advance of the war (9.5km) into western al-Qantara. The armored assault into the town occurred along the Taybeh-Qantara road, leaving both the northern and southern flanks exposed to hit-and-run attacks. Hezbollah attacked infantry gatherings, Merkava tanks, and D9 bulldozers with rockets and RPGs. IDF has entered most of the town, including the town square, the northern mosque, a vocational school, and the reservoir.
> Overnight the 36th Division advanced as deep as the Wadi Al-Hujair Nature Reserve & Valley. Israeli forward outpostsin al-Qantara are significant as they provide access to rear towns such as Qoussair (IDF is advancing towards this town from the south today).
Once IDF consolidated control over those towns they "unlocked" access to roads and ridges that conncted to the next targets. This approach of infiltrating at depth has its drawbacks as the attacks occur along narrow routes, meaning the advancing convoys haven't fully secured their flanks. This could lead to ATGM ambushes, and it leaves Israeli infantry/vehicles more exposed to mortar and FPV strikes.
> 146th Division advanced along the Tyre coastal road, passing through western Naqoura and the abandoned town of Iskandarounah in the process. They advanced at least 7.5km past the Lebanese border, making it to the southern outskirts of al-Bayada. Hezbollah claimed they ambushed and landed direct hits on Israeli forces that made it all the way to the western outskirts of Shamaa, near the UNIFIL 2-3 outpost.
> In tandem the 226th Reserve Paratroopers Brigade is advancing through western Aalma ash-Shaab towards the heights surrounding the Jijim hamlet. The goal is to establish forward positions on a ridge that is on similar elevation to Hezbollah's strongholds in Tayr Harfa. This Israeli pincer manuever has now left Hezbollah's vanguard forces in Hamoul and the northeastern outskirts of Naqoura in a compromised position.
> The 162nd Armored Division has largely been deployed to the western sector of the Lebanese border (84th Givati Brigade is still operating around Khiam). The 401st Armored Brigade is advancing from al-Qouzah to the southern outskirts of Rchaf.
> The furthest extent of their infiltration so far has been to Khillet Al-Jawhar, where Hezbollah claimed they were able to direct hit an Israeli force. Hezbollah also says they hit 2 Merkavas within Debel itself, but without visual proof or a statement from the locals I won't mark Israeli presence inside the town's center. It's likely the 401st Brigade did pass through the northern outskirts of Debel as they approaching Rchaf, though.
> Some of the deepest infiltrations were seen on the Touline axis due its proximity to highly-elevated Hezbollah ATGM/mortar positions on the northern bank of the Litani River. For instance Hezbollah anti-tank fire killed 1 soldier from the 77th Battalion of the 7th Armored Brigade and wounded 4 other crewmembers of a Merkava tank, likely in Taybeh. The missiles were launched from a height north of the Litani.
> The 36th Division used their forward positions in al-Faqaani to push westwards into Deir Seryan. They were met with stiff resistance from the vanguard cells of the Radwan Unit & Nasser Division. During these close-quarters clashes Hezbollah killed an Israeli soldier from the 631st Patrol Battalion of the Golani Brigade. IDF has entered most of the town, reaching as far as the local pond.
> The 7th Armored Brigade is likely responsible for the deepest advance of the war (9.5km) into western al-Qantara. The armored assault into the town occurred along the Taybeh-Qantara road, leaving both the northern and southern flanks exposed to hit-and-run attacks. Hezbollah attacked infantry gatherings, Merkava tanks, and D9 bulldozers with rockets and RPGs. IDF has entered most of the town, including the town square, the northern mosque, a vocational school, and the reservoir.
> Overnight the 36th Division advanced as deep as the Wadi Al-Hujair Nature Reserve & Valley. Israeli forward outpostsin al-Qantara are significant as they provide access to rear towns such as Qoussair (IDF is advancing towards this town from the south today).
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Ecce Homo! Loquitur...
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From: Peripatetic
..............
Lebanon Update: Significant advances have been reported along four axes over the past 2 days.
> The 226th Reserve Paratroopers Brigade of the 146th Division deepened its advances along the Tyre coastal road, securing the entirety of al-Bayada. At the very least, the Black Vulture Anti-Tank Company of the 35th Paratroopers Brigade has been operating in conjuction with the 226th Brigade during the battles for Naqoura & al-Bayada. It is possible that reservists from the 202nd Battalion of the 35th Brigade have also been assigned to the 226th.
> In conjunction with these coastal advances, other elements of the 146th Division advanced past Aalma ash-Shaab and pushed through forestry, creaks, local roads, and the hamlet of Jejim, eventually arriving at the southern and eastern outskirts of Shamaa. Shamaa's flanks are now compromised due to this two pronged attack. Hezbollah (Aziz & Radwan) cells are simultaneously defending against advances from al-Bayada to the west and Jejim to the south.
> This leaves roughly ~10km^2 of open territory between the two Israeli attack vectors in limbo. Organized Hezbollah resistance in this area has dissipated, but there may be isolated fighters who were unable to withdraw. The hamlet of Hamoul and the nearby campsites haven't been cleared yet.
> Elements of the 401st Armored Brigade have deepened their infiltrations in the Beit Lif axis. Hezbollah is already firing ATGMs and mortars at Israeli forces pushing from newly established bases in al-Qouzah to southern Beit Lif. IDF has also established a corridor along Debel's western/northern outskirts that allows them to access large swathes of open fields, forested areas, and streams.
> IDF has galvanized on these forward positions north of Debel in several ways. First of all they pushed past Ain el-Aayoun and are already clashing with Hezbollah cells in eastern Beit Lif. They're also approaching the southernmost houses in Rchaf, northwest of Birket al-Hajar.
> IDF's pincer manuever on Bint Jbeil is well underway. From the west IDF is only 4km away, but first has to clear vanguard forces in Hanine and At-Tiri. However, the eastern flank is far closer to Bint Jbeil. Elements of the 91st Territorial Division largely cleared Aitaroun in part due to head on-advances from through the dense Khallaq neighborhood. But the more momentous attack vector originated from Jabal Kuhayl, just northeast of Maroun el-Ras.
> Maroun el-Ras is already under full IDF control and is being used as a springboard to attack Hay el-Maslakh. The 91st is also pushing northwards along the ridges east of Maroun el-Ras, cutting off the Marjayoun-Bint Jbeil road and occupying the rural areas east of Aainata.
>Hezbollah confirmed this advance, saying that Israeli forces pushed from Tallet Ghidmassé (a notable height that is similar in elevation to much of Bint Jbeil) into the eastern outskirts of Aainata, including the Martyrs Stadium. Hezbollah claims they ambushed the Israeli infantry with IEDs, ATGMs, small arms, and hit 2 Merkavas with FPV drones.
> IDF controls all of al-Qantara and is now using it as a forward organizational node for vehicles and local command. The forward line now runs along the streams and valleys that surround al-Qantara to the north, west, and south, including Wadi al-Hujair.
> Elements of the 36th Armored Division secured Aad!!!! al-Qusayr and already started detonating houses. Tonight shelling from an unknown party hit the UNIFIL 71 base (south of Aad!!!!), killing one Indonesian peacekeepers and critically injuring another. Since the details aren't yet clear, this incident can't be used to extrapolate the nearby line of contact.
> The 8th platoon of the 77th Armored Battalion (organically attached to the 7th Brigade) is currently operating within the Golani Brigade Combat Team. They're already conducting controlled demolitions in Deir Seryan. Golani has also pushed east of Qoussair and is operating adjacent to the southern Litani River bank.
> Following the capture of Taybeh, IDF was able to clear out the final vestiges of Hezbollah resistance in Kfar Kela and the hills to the west. Now Al-Awaida Hill & Tellet el-Aazziye are at least partially under the control of 36th/91st Divisions. Taking advantage of these newly acquir
ed forward positions, a small number of infantry and combat engineers from the Yahalom Unit are operating along the Litani River. 20 of them were wounded by Hezbollah rocket fire when first entering the Litani valley on the night of March 27th. > Since then the 36th Division has operated near the Litani pumping station and advanced from Sleiman’s Rock to the western outskirts of Deir Mimas (eastern bank of Litani). Israeli soldiers took photos of Beaufort Castle but reports of their physical entry are premature.
> Elements of the 210th Territorial Division, including the 810th Mountain Brigade, are conduncting raids on houses in eastern Kfarchouba and Chebaa. Some isolated houses have already been demolished and in both cases the IDF is shoring up positions on heights overlooking both towns and their entry/exit points.
> The Alpinist Unit of the 810th Brigade also conducted cross-border raids along the Syria-Lebanon border in Mount Hermon. There is virtually zero Hezbollah troop presence in this area, but IDF is tasked with locating and demolishing infrastructure set up by the Golan File Brigade in the area.
Full map can be viewed here: https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/vi...165346275&z=10
> The 226th Reserve Paratroopers Brigade of the 146th Division deepened its advances along the Tyre coastal road, securing the entirety of al-Bayada. At the very least, the Black Vulture Anti-Tank Company of the 35th Paratroopers Brigade has been operating in conjuction with the 226th Brigade during the battles for Naqoura & al-Bayada. It is possible that reservists from the 202nd Battalion of the 35th Brigade have also been assigned to the 226th.
> In conjunction with these coastal advances, other elements of the 146th Division advanced past Aalma ash-Shaab and pushed through forestry, creaks, local roads, and the hamlet of Jejim, eventually arriving at the southern and eastern outskirts of Shamaa. Shamaa's flanks are now compromised due to this two pronged attack. Hezbollah (Aziz & Radwan) cells are simultaneously defending against advances from al-Bayada to the west and Jejim to the south.
> This leaves roughly ~10km^2 of open territory between the two Israeli attack vectors in limbo. Organized Hezbollah resistance in this area has dissipated, but there may be isolated fighters who were unable to withdraw. The hamlet of Hamoul and the nearby campsites haven't been cleared yet.
> Elements of the 401st Armored Brigade have deepened their infiltrations in the Beit Lif axis. Hezbollah is already firing ATGMs and mortars at Israeli forces pushing from newly established bases in al-Qouzah to southern Beit Lif. IDF has also established a corridor along Debel's western/northern outskirts that allows them to access large swathes of open fields, forested areas, and streams.
> IDF has galvanized on these forward positions north of Debel in several ways. First of all they pushed past Ain el-Aayoun and are already clashing with Hezbollah cells in eastern Beit Lif. They're also approaching the southernmost houses in Rchaf, northwest of Birket al-Hajar.
> IDF's pincer manuever on Bint Jbeil is well underway. From the west IDF is only 4km away, but first has to clear vanguard forces in Hanine and At-Tiri. However, the eastern flank is far closer to Bint Jbeil. Elements of the 91st Territorial Division largely cleared Aitaroun in part due to head on-advances from through the dense Khallaq neighborhood. But the more momentous attack vector originated from Jabal Kuhayl, just northeast of Maroun el-Ras.
> Maroun el-Ras is already under full IDF control and is being used as a springboard to attack Hay el-Maslakh. The 91st is also pushing northwards along the ridges east of Maroun el-Ras, cutting off the Marjayoun-Bint Jbeil road and occupying the rural areas east of Aainata.
>Hezbollah confirmed this advance, saying that Israeli forces pushed from Tallet Ghidmassé (a notable height that is similar in elevation to much of Bint Jbeil) into the eastern outskirts of Aainata, including the Martyrs Stadium. Hezbollah claims they ambushed the Israeli infantry with IEDs, ATGMs, small arms, and hit 2 Merkavas with FPV drones.
> IDF controls all of al-Qantara and is now using it as a forward organizational node for vehicles and local command. The forward line now runs along the streams and valleys that surround al-Qantara to the north, west, and south, including Wadi al-Hujair.
> Elements of the 36th Armored Division secured Aad!!!! al-Qusayr and already started detonating houses. Tonight shelling from an unknown party hit the UNIFIL 71 base (south of Aad!!!!), killing one Indonesian peacekeepers and critically injuring another. Since the details aren't yet clear, this incident can't be used to extrapolate the nearby line of contact.
> The 8th platoon of the 77th Armored Battalion (organically attached to the 7th Brigade) is currently operating within the Golani Brigade Combat Team. They're already conducting controlled demolitions in Deir Seryan. Golani has also pushed east of Qoussair and is operating adjacent to the southern Litani River bank.
> Following the capture of Taybeh, IDF was able to clear out the final vestiges of Hezbollah resistance in Kfar Kela and the hills to the west. Now Al-Awaida Hill & Tellet el-Aazziye are at least partially under the control of 36th/91st Divisions. Taking advantage of these newly acquir
ed forward positions, a small number of infantry and combat engineers from the Yahalom Unit are operating along the Litani River. 20 of them were wounded by Hezbollah rocket fire when first entering the Litani valley on the night of March 27th. > Since then the 36th Division has operated near the Litani pumping station and advanced from Sleiman’s Rock to the western outskirts of Deir Mimas (eastern bank of Litani). Israeli soldiers took photos of Beaufort Castle but reports of their physical entry are premature.
> Elements of the 210th Territorial Division, including the 810th Mountain Brigade, are conduncting raids on houses in eastern Kfarchouba and Chebaa. Some isolated houses have already been demolished and in both cases the IDF is shoring up positions on heights overlooking both towns and their entry/exit points.
> The Alpinist Unit of the 810th Brigade also conducted cross-border raids along the Syria-Lebanon border in Mount Hermon. There is virtually zero Hezbollah troop presence in this area, but IDF is tasked with locating and demolishing infrastructure set up by the Golan File Brigade in the area.
Full map can be viewed here: https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/vi...165346275&z=10
Joined: Aug 2009
Aviation Qualifications: Military
Posts: 9,328
Likes: 2,175
From: Texas
A very comprehensive analysis, thanks for posting that. I noticed this....
This further answers my question as regards UNIFIL and had they been pulled out.
Nope, still on task. Thankless job.
Elements of the 36th Armored Division secured Aad al-Qusayr and already started detonating houses.
Tonight shelling from an unknown party hit the UNIFIL 71 base (south of Aad), killing one Indonesian peacekeepers and critically injuring another.
Since the details aren't yet clear, this incident can't be used to extrapolate the nearby line of contact.
Tonight shelling from an unknown party hit the UNIFIL 71 base (south of Aad), killing one Indonesian peacekeepers and critically injuring another.
Since the details aren't yet clear, this incident can't be used to extrapolate the nearby line of contact.
Nope, still on task. Thankless job.
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 71
Likes: 64
From: Cork
It would seem that the IDF is using the same playbook as Gaza where any journalists who cover the mass expulsion of civilians and razing of villages can expect to exterminated without a shred of any evidence produced to support their murder.
Rain poured as their bodies – draped with flags bearing the names of their news outlets – were carried through the cemetery, in Choueifat, south of Beirut, alongside pictures of them reporting and wearing their press vests.
The targeted killings have provoked an outcry across Lebanon, where people of many different beliefs and backgrounds have come together to say that this is unacceptable and contrary to international law.
Those killed were correspondent Fatima Ftouni and her brother, cameraman Mohammad Ftouni – both with pro-Hizbullah television station Al Mayadeen, and Ali Shuaib, who worked with Al-Manar, which is Hizbullah owned.
....
https://www.irishtimes.com/world/mid...raeli-strikes/
‘They weren’t carrying weapons’: Hundreds attend funeral of journalists killed by Israeli strikes
Calls made for investigation after fatal attack on Fatima and Mohammad Ftouni and Ali Shuaib in Lebanon
Hundreds of people turned out on Sunday to attend the funerals of three journalists who were targeted and killed by Israeli air strikes while driving in southern Lebanon the previous day.Rain poured as their bodies – draped with flags bearing the names of their news outlets – were carried through the cemetery, in Choueifat, south of Beirut, alongside pictures of them reporting and wearing their press vests.
The targeted killings have provoked an outcry across Lebanon, where people of many different beliefs and backgrounds have come together to say that this is unacceptable and contrary to international law.
Those killed were correspondent Fatima Ftouni and her brother, cameraman Mohammad Ftouni – both with pro-Hizbullah television station Al Mayadeen, and Ali Shuaib, who worked with Al-Manar, which is Hizbullah owned.
....
Joined: Aug 2009
Aviation Qualifications: Military
Posts: 9,328
Likes: 2,175
From: Texas
The rest of us are discussing military stuff, and once again you are throwing your third party, emotional reactions into this thread.
Maybe consider posting your frustration with the Israelies elsewhere. (There are plenty of folks here on PPRuNe who share your frustration).
What you post ends up as aiding and abetting Hezbollah in the war of words - a murderous, terroristic army within Lebanon funded by a foreign power. That armed group - a lot like your IRA - counts on the kind of tunnel vision you embrace.
The legitimate government of Lebanon has been unable to lance that political boil for about 40 years.
Hezbollah are a part of the problem, NOT part of the solution.
You are their weapon, and you don't seem to realize it.
They are getting what they deserve, because they have chosen to embrace the bidding of their foreign master at the expense of the entire nation of Lebanon...who they have dishonestly claimed to have joined as a political faction. And because of their allegiance to Iran, not their home country, Lebeanon needs more help than the pathetic presence of UNIFIL - which "citizens of the world" somehow expect to be able to do more than report on violations of the Peace - abuse of the word - agreement agreed in about 2006.
(And you can argue previous "agreements" that are not worth the paper they were written on.)
The folks who serve in UNIFIL are put at risk by the fools who believe that the UN is useful in this case.
It is not. It has not been for decades.
As to the war correspondents.
Every war correspondent knows that if they cover an area of conflict they are at risk. I got to have a long talk with Joe Galloway about that, some years ago.
Suggested reading for you: Chris Hedges, outspoken critic of the US War in Iraq and a war correspondent for a few decades
Maybe consider posting your frustration with the Israelies elsewhere. (There are plenty of folks here on PPRuNe who share your frustration).
What you post ends up as aiding and abetting Hezbollah in the war of words - a murderous, terroristic army within Lebanon funded by a foreign power. That armed group - a lot like your IRA - counts on the kind of tunnel vision you embrace.
The legitimate government of Lebanon has been unable to lance that political boil for about 40 years.
Hezbollah are a part of the problem, NOT part of the solution.
You are their weapon, and you don't seem to realize it.
They are getting what they deserve, because they have chosen to embrace the bidding of their foreign master at the expense of the entire nation of Lebanon...who they have dishonestly claimed to have joined as a political faction. And because of their allegiance to Iran, not their home country, Lebeanon needs more help than the pathetic presence of UNIFIL - which "citizens of the world" somehow expect to be able to do more than report on violations of the Peace - abuse of the word - agreement agreed in about 2006.
(And you can argue previous "agreements" that are not worth the paper they were written on.)
The folks who serve in UNIFIL are put at risk by the fools who believe that the UN is useful in this case.
It is not. It has not been for decades.
As to the war correspondents.
Every war correspondent knows that if they cover an area of conflict they are at risk. I got to have a long talk with Joe Galloway about that, some years ago.
Suggested reading for you: Chris Hedges, outspoken critic of the US War in Iraq and a war correspondent for a few decades
Last edited by Lonewolf_50; 31st March 2026 at 12:57.
Joined: Aug 2013
Aviation Qualifications: Military (Retired)
Posts: 1,345
Likes: 562
From: Washington.
The rest of us are discussing military stuff, and once again you are throwing your third party, emotional reactions into this thread.
Maybe consider posting your frustration with the Israelies elsewhere. Every war correspondent knows that if they cover an area of conflict they are at risk. Got to have a long talk with Joe Galloway about that, some years ago.
Suggested reading for you: Chris Hedges, outspoken critic of the US War in Iraq and a war correspondent for a few decades
Maybe consider posting your frustration with the Israelies elsewhere. Every war correspondent knows that if they cover an area of conflict they are at risk. Got to have a long talk with Joe Galloway about that, some years ago.
Suggested reading for you: Chris Hedges, outspoken critic of the US War in Iraq and a war correspondent for a few decades
Joined: Aug 2009
Aviation Qualifications: Military
Posts: 9,328
Likes: 2,175
From: Texas
Much to my dismay, the Israelis established, quite clearly, from about October 2023 to the present, that their RoE are a lot looser than what most Western and NATO military organizations use. Every war correspondent needs to know that, it's a part of their job: know what you are covering, and be aware of the risks.
Beyond that, the RoE that I served under were a lot tighter, and a lot tighter than the LOAC calls for. (Have had a few discussion with Bob Viking about this).
If you go into a war zone, you may die.