ISTANBUL
Israel is expanding its ground incursion in southern Lebanon and widening what it describes as a “security zone,” according to a statement Thursday by the head of its Northern Command.
Northern Command chief Rafi Milo said the army had broadened the operation by an “additional step” to expand what he described as a forward security zone.
Since the start of the current offensive on March 2, the Israeli army has repeatedly announced ground operations in southern Lebanon, while Hezbollah says it has confronted advancing Israeli forces.
Israeli incursions have since been reported in several border towns, including Khiam, Adaisseh and Kfar Kila in Marjayoun district, as well as Kfarchouba in Hasbaya and Dhayra in Tyre district, while Hezbollah says in multiple statements it continues to repel the incursions.
In response, Hezbollah has launched rockets and drones targeting Israeli forces and military vehicles in southern Lebanon and northern Israel.
Israel’s military censorship imposes tight restrictions on coverage of fighting with Hezbollah and troop movements in southern Lebanon, banning the publication of related footage without prior approval and limiting information on casualties.
Milo claimed the army had killed more than 750 Hezbollah members and destroyed infrastructure in various parts of Lebanon.
Earlier Thursday, the army said the 162nd Division had joined the 91st and 36th divisions to expand the ground incursion, while confirming that two soldiers were killed and five others wounded in clashes in the south.
On Wednesday, Israel’s Channel 14 reported plans to expand the military presence up to 8 kilometers (5 miles) inside Lebanese territory, saying the army had begun establishing 18 military positions there.
Israel has pounded Lebanon with airstrikes and launched a ground offensive in southern Lebanon since a cross-border attack by Hezbollah on March 2.
Lebanese authorities said at least 1,116 people have since been killed and 3,229 injured in Israeli attacks.
The escalation came amid a joint US-Israeli offensive on Iran, which has killed more than 1,340 people since Feb. 28. Iran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel and US bases in Gulf countries.
*Writing by Tarek Chouiref