Israel army says begun 'limited targeted ground operations' against Hezbollah in south Lebanon

AI Summary

The Israeli military has launched 'limited targeted ground operations' against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, with Defence Minister Israel Katz stating that displaced residents will not return until northern Israel is secure. The conflict escalated after Lebanon was drawn into the broader Middle East war on March 2, following Hezbollah's response to the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in US-Israeli strikes. Israel has also conducted air raids and troop incursions into border areas.

The Israeli military said on Monday it had begun what it described as "limited ground operations" against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, with Defence Minister Israel Katz warning that those displaced would not return home until northern Israel was secure. Lebanon was drawn into the Middle East war on March 2 when the Tehran-backed Hezbollah attacked Israel in response to the killing of Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in US-Israeli strikes. Israel responded with air raids on its northern neighbour and troop incursions into border areas.