The Israeli army has deployed an additional division in southern Lebanon as part of its ongoing military offensive against Hezbollah. The newly added 98th Division joins four other divisions—91st, 36th, 146th, and 162nd—engaging in ground operations and conducting artillery and airstrikes in the region. The Israeli military stated that the reinforcement aims to bolster the front defensive line and mitigate threats to northern Israeli residents. Reports indicate that the operations are focused on pushing Hezbollah fighters north of the Litani River and targeting sites suspected of military use in border villages. Since the initiation of the ground offensive on March 2, following a Hezbollah attack, Lebanese authorities have reported at least 1,497 casualties and over 4,600 injuries due to Israeli attacks.
Why It Matters
The current military escalation follows a ceasefire that took effect in November 2024, highlighting the fragility of peace in the region. The Israeli Defense Forces are responding to Hezbollah’s cross-border activities, which have historically intensified tensions between Israel and Lebanon. The ongoing conflict has resulted in significant loss of life and has complicated the humanitarian situation, with thousands injured. The operations in southern Lebanon are noted to be more complex than those in Gaza, underscoring the challenging terrain and the strategic significance of controlling border areas.
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