Israeli ground forces advanced deeply into southern Lebanon for the first time in six weeks on Saturday, briefly seizing a strategic hill in Chamaa, about five kilometers from the Israeli border, before retreating, AP reported.
The operation, marked by clashes with Hezbollah militants, included reported destruction of infrastructure in Chamaa, such as the Shrine of Shimon the Prophet and several homes, though these claims remain unverified.
The Israeli military described the incursion as a “limited, localized, and targeted operational activity” but provided no specific details about the assault. Airstrikes were also launched on Hezbollah strongholds in Beirut’s southern suburbs, the port city of Tyre, and other areas.
One airstrike on Khraibeh killed a family of six, while another in southern Beirut left a teenage girl in intensive care. Israel stated that its operations are intended to dismantle Hezbollah’s military infrastructure and stop cross-border attacks.
Hezbollah fired over 60 rockets into Israeli territory on Saturday. The ongoing violence has resulted in more than 3,400 deaths in Lebanon, most occurring in the past two months amid escalating Israeli bombardments.
Diplomatic efforts are underway to broker a cease-fire. A U.S.-backed proposal, based on UN Security Council Resolution 1701, is under review.
Lebanon’s Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, negotiating on Hezbollah’s behalf, is expected to respond in the coming days. The caretaker prime minister has reportedly asked Iran to urge Hezbollah to accept the deal, which would involve withdrawing from the border.
Meanwhile, violence continues in Gaza, where the Health Ministry reported no less than 35 deaths from Israeli airstrikes in the past 24 hours. The total death toll in Gaza has surpassed 43,799 since the war began in October.
The UN Security Council is debating a draft resolution calling for an “immediate, unconditional, and permanent cease-fire” in Gaza. The outcome largely depends on the position of the United States, Israel’s key ally.