BEIRUT - The Israeli military has advanced its ground operations beyond the so-called "Yellow Line" inside southern Lebanon, two sources confirmed Tuesday, marking a significant escalation despite the April ceasefire with Hezbollah.
The Yellow Line was established by Israel after the April 16 truce as a proposed buffer zone extending 5 to 10 kilometers into Lebanese territory, separate from the UN-demarcated Blue Line. Israeli troops continue to operate in dozens of largely abandoned villages there.
The incursion follows Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's pledge to intensify strikes against Hezbollah. A U.S. official stated the Iran-backed group has ignored warnings to halt attacks that risk undermining negotiations to end the broader U.S.-Israeli campaign against Iran.
Hezbollah claims it targeted advancing Israeli forces with drones, rockets, and artillery near Zawtar al-Sharqiya. Meanwhile, Lebanon's health ministry reports over 3,200 killed and nearly 10,000 wounded since the Israeli offensive began March 2. The World Health Organization says at least 608 have been killed since the ceasefire.