BEIRUT

Israeli military forces advanced Monday near the towns of Yaroun and Maroun al-Ras in southern Lebanon, as Tel Aviv expanded its offensive in the Arab country, Lebanese media reported.

The state-run National News Agency said that several Israeli military vehicles were spotted advancing near the two towns in the country’s south.

The outlet also reported ongoing clashes between Israeli forces and Hezbollah fighters along the Adaisseh–Taybeh axis, where Israeli troops were attempting to advance into Lebanese territory under the cover of Israeli airstrikes.

Clashes were also reported in the town of Khiam amid Israeli airstrikes in the area, according to an Anadolu correspondent.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed early Monday that the army has begun a ground offensive in Lebanon.

The Israeli army expanded airstrikes across Lebanon, including the capital Beirut, on March 2 following a cross-border attack by Hezbollah amid regional escalation in the wake of a joint offensive by Washington and Tel Aviv against Iran.

Lebanese health authorities said that the Israeli attacks have killed at least 850 people, including 66 women and 107 children, wounded 2,105 others and displaced more than 830,000 people.

Israel occupies areas in southern Lebanon, some of them for decades and others seized during the most recent war between October 2023 and November 2024.

*Writing By Khaled Badr in Istanbul