Israel launches ground offensive in Lebanon, minister confirms

2026-03-16 - 12:42

Operation aims to secure northern Israel During a situational assessment at the Kirya military headquarters in Tel Aviv, Defense Minister Katz confirmed that Israeli troops have commenced ground maneuvers inside Lebanese territory. "The IDF has begun a ground maneuver in Lebanon to remove threats and protect the residents of the Galilee and the north," Katz said, according to remarks published by Yedioth Ahronoth. The operation, authorized by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, targets what Israeli officials describe as militant positions in Lebanese villages adjacent to the border . Displacement and future of southern Lebanon Katz issued a stark warning regarding the civilian population in southern Lebanon, suggesting a prolonged displacement. "Hundreds of thousands of residents of southern Lebanon who have evacuated and are evacuating from their homes will not return to their homes south of the Litani area," he stated. The Litani River, flowing approximately 29 kilometers north of the Israeli border, has emerged as a key geographic reference point in Israel's military objectives . Regional context and escalating hostilities The ground incursion represents the latest phase of widening confrontation following the outbreak of US-Israeli strikes against Iran on February 28. Hezbollah, a key Iranian ally, initiated rocket fire on March 2 in retaliation for the killing of Iran's former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, subsequently drawing Lebanon into the conflict . Lebanese authorities report that intensified Israeli strikes have killed more than 800 people and displaced over 800,000 across the country . International efforts to broker talks continue, with France offering to host negotiations, though Lebanese officials indicate no meeting has been confirmed .