Israel has reinforced its control over parts of southern Lebanon, warning residents to avoid dozens of villages and areas near the Litani River despite an ongoing ceasefire with Hezbollah.
The warning comes days after a 10-day ceasefire, brokered by the United States, took effect last week. While the truce has largely reduced active fighting, tensions remain high as Israeli forces continue to hold positions deep inside Lebanese territory. Israel says the move is aimed at creating a buffer zone to protect its northern regions from further attacks.
According to Lebanese officials, Israeli operations have caused significant destruction across at least 39 villages in the south. However, Israeli authorities maintain that their actions are targeted at dismantling Hezbollah infrastructure, which they claim has been embedded within civilian areas over many years.
The Israeli military has also released maps outlining restricted zones, urging civilians not to return to more than 50 affected communities. Some of these areas reportedly extend 5 to 10 kilometers Lebanese territory.
Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts are ongoing. The United States is set to host a new round of talks between Israel and Lebanon on Thursday, following rare high-level contacts between both sides. Lebanon has appointed former ambassador Simon Karam to lead its delegation.
However, Hezbollah has rejected these diplomatic engagements, insisting it retains the right to resist what it describes as Israeli occupation.
The conflict, which reignited in early March, has already caused heavy casualties. Lebanese authorities report thousands killed, while Israel says it has lost both civilians and soldiers in the fighting.
Adding to tensions, an incident involving an Israeli soldier damaging a Christian crucifix in a southern Lebanese village has drawn widespread condemnation from religious and political figures.
Despite the ceasefire, the situation remains fragile, with both military activity and political disagreements threatening to derail ongoing peace efforts.
