Newsletters
Israeli forces crossed the Litani River north of the Israeli army's self-declared "Yellow Line" security-zone boundary during a week-long operation in the Zawtar al-Sharqiyah area of southern Lebanon, approximately 10 kilometers from the Israeli border, the Israeli army announced.
Open-source intelligence (OSINT) analysis also confirmed the ground advance into the Zawtar al-Sharqiyah and Zawtar al-Gharbiya areas via satellite imagery.
The operation was led by the Golani Brigade's Reconnaissance Unit under the 36th Division's command.
The Israeli army said troops achieved "operational control" over the area, encountered "numerous Hezbollah operatives," and killed dozens in close-quarters combat and directed airstrikes. Several soldiers were lightly injured.
The Israeli Air Force (IAF) struck more than 100 military targets in support of the ground forces.
Among the significant finds, troops located and cleared a major underground tunnel route used by Hezbollah north of the river. Their operatives emerged from the tunnel during the operation, triggering a firefight in which an Oketz (Sting) military canine unit (Unit 7142) dog was killed.
Israeli troops also located weapons storage facilities, rocket launchers and Hezbollah compound positions. Officers described the terrain as "very complex," with the river situated in a forested valley.
The Israeli army conducted engineering activity in the area during the operation, specifically to enable easier river crossing by future forces if required, suggesting the crossing point may be used again.
A statement by the Israeli army said: "The troops located compounds used by Hezbollah terrorists, underground tunnel routes containing large quantities of weapons, weapons storage facilities, and missile launchers. The IAF struck more than 100 military targets in support of the troops operating in the area."
The army said troops "did not cross the line demarcating the Israeli army's new security zone in southern Lebanon", a claim that appears to conflict with OSINT reporting based on satellite imagery showing a ground advance north of the Yellow Line in both Zawtar al-Sharqiyah and Zawtar al-Gharbiya.
Set as preferred source
Set as preferred source
1 min read
