IDF Ground Incursion into Lebanon
Israeli tanks cross the border — Hezbollah commander killed
On the morning of March 3, PM Netanyahu and Defense Minister Katz authorized the IDF to advance into southern Lebanon and seize controlling terrain in the Tal al-Nahas area. Israeli tanks and bulldozers crossed from Metula through Kfarkela, establishing a buffer zone. Simultaneously, the IDF killed IRGC Quds Force Lebanon Corps Commander Daoud Ali Zadeh in a targeted strike on his command post — along with his deputy Reza Khazaei. Hezbollah retaliated with fresh drone swarms hitting Ramat David airbase. 30,000+ Lebanese civilians have been displaced. IDF Chief Zamir: 'We are in many prolonged days of combat.'
Key facts
- •IDF ground forces cross into southern Lebanon — Tal al-Nahas area
- •First Israeli ground offensive in Lebanon since November 2024 ceasefire
- •IRGC Quds Force Lebanon commander Daoud Ali Zadeh killed
- •Deputy Reza Khazaei also killed in same strike
- •Hezbollah drone swarm hits Ramat David airbase in retaliation
- •30,000+ Lebanese civilians displaced — Tyre hospital under pressure
Timeline
Hezbollah drone swarm hits Ramat David airbase — triggers IDF response
IRGC Quds Force Lebanon commander Daoud Ali Zadeh killed in targeted strike
Deputy commander Reza Khazaei also killed — IRGC Lebanon chain of command broken
IDF ground incursion authorized — tanks enter from Metula toward Tal al-Nahas
Lebanon MoH: 40 killed, 246 wounded — 30,000+ displaced