The Israeli military has expanded its ground operations in southern Lebanon beyond the self-declared 'Yellow Line,' a demarcation set several kilometers inside Lebanese territory following an April ceasefire with Hezbollah. Troops are operating in dozens of largely abandoned villages within a proposed buffer zone stretching between five and ten kilometers into Lebanon, according to two sources.

The escalation comes amid renewed cross-border hostilities despite the truce. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said strikes against Hezbollah would intensify, while Hezbollah reported targeting advancing Israeli forces with explosive drones, rockets, and artillery. The Israeli military said it intercepted several drones and reported no injuries from the latest launches.

Airstrikes also hit multiple المناطق, including the southern city of Nabatieh, after residents were warned to evacuate north of the Zahrani River. Lebanon's Health Ministry reported heavy casualties from recent strikes, including women, children, and rescue workers. Since early March, thousands have been killed and wounded in Lebanon, with additional fatalities reported among Israeli soldiers since the ceasefire.