The Israel Defense Forces said it has deployed troops deeper into southern Lebanon beyond the five positions it previously held, describing the move as part of an enhanced forward defense posture following renewed attacks by Hezbollah. The escalation began after Hezbollah launched rockets and drones at northern Israel in response to Israel’s killing of Iran’s supreme leader, prompting Israel to carry out an intensive bombing campaign.

Israeli officials said the expanded ground presence is intended to create an additional layer of security for communities along the border by taking control of dominant terrain. The military reported striking more than 160 Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon over the past day, including operatives, command centers, weapons depots, and intelligence infrastructure. Airstrikes in Beirut also targeted facilities used for communications and media operations, with evacuation warnings issued in advance.

The Israeli military said a naval strike in Beirut killed Reza Khazaei, a senior member of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Quds Force who was responsible for coordinating support and rebuilding Hezbollah’s capabilities after the 2023 to 2024 war. Meanwhile, Hezbollah continued firing rockets and drones into Israel, lightly injuring one civilian and causing damage in northern communities, with several projectiles intercepted by air defenses.

Lebanon’s president and prime minister declared Hezbollah’s military actions illegal and reaffirmed the state’s sole authority over decisions of war and peace, though it remains unclear what concrete steps have been taken to curb the group’s operations.