The Israeli military announced on Monday that it has initiated limited ground operations against Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said the targeted maneuvers are aimed at bolstering the country’s forward defensive positions.

According to an IDF statement, soldiers from the 91st Division have carried out precise, limited operations targeting key Hezbollah strongholds in recent days. These actions are part of a broader defensive strategy designed to establish and strengthen fortified positions along Israel’s northern border.

The IDF confirmed that the operations focus on dismantling Hezbollah’s infrastructure and targeting active militants in the region to reduce threats and enhance security for residents in northern Israel. Ground troops entered designated areas after several pre-emptive strikes, which included coordinated artillery shelling and air support from the Israeli Air Force to minimize operational risks.

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Meanwhile, Israeli air raids continue across southern Lebanon. Al Jazeera reports that multiple towns, including Qantara, Sawaneh, Burj Qalaweih, Sultaniyah, and Shaqra, were targeted. No casualties have been reported so far.

The escalation follows Lebanon’s involvement in the Middle East conflict beginning March 2, after Hezbollah attacked Israel in response to strikes that killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei’s associates in U.S. and Israeli operations. In retaliation, Israel launched airstrikes on Lebanese territory and conducted border incursions.

The IDF has emphasized that these limited operations are defensive in nature, aiming to neutralize Hezbollah threats and safeguard Israeli citizens while avoiding escalation wherever possible.