March 16 (UPI) -- The Israeli military announced Monday that soldiers were conducting "limited and targeted ground operations" in southern Lebanon against Hezbollah, amid its larger war against the militant organization's backer, Iran.
Israeli troops were reported in Lebanon earlier this month, but Monday's announcement appears to formalize and broaden the mission. The language in the announcement was also consistent with other reports that Israel may be planning to significantly expand its ground operation.
"This activity is part of broader defensive efforts to establish and strengthen a forward defensive posture, which includes the dismantling of terrorist infrastructure and the elimination of terrorists operating in the area, to create an additional layer of security for residents of northern Israel," the IDF said in a social media statement.
Israel has been attacking Hezbollah in Lebanon for years, and launched a ground operation there in October 2024 that ended with a fragile cease-fire, with both sides accusing the other of violations. Fighting erupted again late last month after the United States and Israel launched a war against Iran.
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