Tel Aviv [Israel], March 17 (ANI): The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) said on Tuesday that it has deployed additional troops in Lebanon to establish a “forward defence posture” aimed at removing threats to residents of northern Israel from Hezbollah.
In a post on X, the IDF said, “Operational Update: Lebanon- Additional IDF troops have been deployed in Lebanon, continuing efforts to establish a forward defense posture in order to remove threats and create an additional layer of security for residents of northern Israel against Hezbollah’s threat.”
The Jerusalem Post reported that troops from the 36th Division have begun limited, targeted ground operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon. The operation is also being conducted with the 91st Division as forces continue efforts following earlier deployments to establish a forward defence.
On Tuesday morning the Israeli Air Force posted that it conducted “extensive strikes toward infrastructures of the Iranian terror regime throughout Tehran, and toward infrastructures of the Hezbollah terror organization in Beirut.”
IDF International Spokesperson Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani shared visuals of a Hezbollah “weapons storage facility” located by the IDF in southern Lebanon. He said on X that the facility contained dozens of rockets, explosive devices, and guns, and that Hezbollah fighters at the location were eliminated. “This threat is on our border, striking distance from our civilians. This is why we’re operating in southern Lebanon,” he wrote.
The developments come amid an evolving security situation in West Asia and the Gulf. The Times of Israel reported that Hezbollah deputy leader Naim Qassem said his organisation is prepared for a “long confrontation” with Israel, calling the situation an “existential battle” and saying his forces have prepared for a prolonged fight.
Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz warned that the Lebanese government would be held accountable for failing to disarm Hezbollah, saying the state would “pay increasing prices through damage to infrastructure and the loss of territory” until it met military commitments.
Military data cited by The Times of Israel suggests the IDF has conducted over 1,100 strikes in Lebanon, targeting command centres and “rocket and missile launchers”. (ANI)
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