The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced a significant military advance on Tuesday, reaching the Litani River in the eastern sector of southern Lebanon for the first time since 2000.
The IDF’s 91st Division, along with elite units including the Alexandroni Brigade, 769th “Hiram” Regional Brigade, Golani Brigade’s reconnaissance unit, and the Israeli Air Force’s Shaldag unit, carried out raids on Hezbollah sites near the Litani River.
The military confirmed that close-quarters combat occurred during the operation, with soldiers engaging Hezbollah fighters at multiple sites. Dozens of Hezbollah launchers and weapons depots were destroyed.
In the nearby Wadi Saluki area, located approximately 10 kilometers from Israel’s northern border, the IDF’s Commando Brigade located hundreds of weapons, underground bunkers, and numerous rocket launchers prepared for imminent use. The IDF released footage showing soldiers displaying these weapons.
The Litani River, situated about four kilometers from the northern Israeli town of Metula, served as a natural boundary during Israel’s military presence in southern Lebanon from 1982 to 2000. Its strategic significance stems from its proximity to Hezbollah strongholds and its role in previous military campaigns, including the 2006 conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, during which IDF troops did not advance as far as the river.
Amid recent developments, negotiations for a ceasefire on the northern front are underway. The proposed deal includes a two-month ceasefire period during which Israeli forces would withdraw from southern Lebanon. In return, Hezbollah would be required to end its armed presence south of the Litani River.
