IDF begins 'limited and targeted' ground operations against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon

The Israeli army announced on Monday morning that it had begun what it described as 'limited and targeted ground operations' against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, deploying troops from the 91st Division. The IDF statement, reported by AFP, said: 'In recent days, IDF troops from the 91st division have begun limited and targeted ground operations against key Hezbollah strongholds in southern Lebanon, aimed at enhancing the forward defence area. This activity is part of broader defensive efforts to establish and strengthen a forward defensive posture, which includes the dismantling of terrorist infrastructure and the elimination of terrorists operating in the area, in order to remove threats and create an additional layer of security for residents of northern Israel.' The IDF said that before the troops entered the area, air force and artillery conducted strikes against 'numerous terrorist targets in order to mitigate threats in the operational environment.' This represents a significant escalation of Israeli operations in Lebanon, moving beyond the sustained air campaign to include ground forces for the first time on Day 17 of the conflict. Lebanese and Hezbollah ceasefire talks Israeli officials had described as expected 'within days' have not materialised, and this ground operation reflects Israeli impatience with the negotiating timeline.