IDF opens ground phase in Lebanon — 91st Division enters south Lebanon targeting Hezbollah

On the morning of Day 17, the IDF announced that troops from the 91st Division had begun limited and targeted ground operations against Hezbollah strongholds in southern Lebanon. Air force and artillery prepared the operational environment before troops entered. The IDF framed the operations as defensive — aimed at establishing a forward posture and removing threats to northern Israeli communities. The ground incursion comes 17 days into the conflict and marks a significant escalation. Israeli officials had described ceasefire talks focused on Hezbollah disarmament as expected 'within days,' but those talks have not materialised. Hezbollah continued firing rockets at Kiryat Shmona and the Galilee Panhandle as recently as earlier on Day 17. The 91st Division, known as the Galilee Formation, specialises in northern front operations. Its deployment to southern Lebanon reflects an operational decision to move beyond air campaign alone — possibly accelerating the disarmament track or creating leverage in diplomatic negotiations.