The IDF on Saturday expanded its ground operations against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, as well as launching artillery fire into the area, according to military officials.
The move comes after IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir ordered forces to intensify a targeted campaign against members of Hezbollah’s Radwan Force following increased militant movement toward the border over the past week.
Military officials said the artillery barrage was intended to support expanded ground activity against Hezbollah units operating in southern Lebanon. Additional Israeli ground forces have been deployed in the area as part of the effort.
Zamir instructed forces to strengthen the “hunt and neutralize” strategy targeting Radwan Force operatives, Hezbollah’s elite unit. According to the military, hundreds of fighters were recently observed moving toward southern Lebanon.
Data provided by the IDF indicated that roughly 400 Hezbollah operatives have been killed by Israeli fire in recent months, including around 100 members of the Radwan Force. Among those killed were several field commanders.
Israeli officials noted that before the launch of Operation “Northern Arrows,” the Radwan Force maintained plans to carry out cross-border raids on Israeli communities in the Galilee.
Over the past 24 hours, tank transporters and Namer armored personnel carriers have been seen moving toward the Lebanese border as part of preparations for a potential large-scale ground maneuver.
In recent weeks, Israel’s Military Intelligence Directorate has concentrated efforts on tracking and targeting Radwan Force fighters operating in southern Lebanon. Security officials said the intensified campaign was ordered by the chief of staff to weaken Hezbollah’s elite unit, which had been preparing attacks against Israel.
Strategic focus remains on Iran
Israeli political leaders recently defined Iran as the primary arena of confrontation, while the campaign in Lebanon is considered secondary. The decision required the IDF to adjust operations to avoid diverting significant resources from efforts targeting the Iranian regime.
As part of the adjustments, Head of the IDF Operations Directorate Maj.-Gen. Itzik Cohen ordered two additional divisions to reinforce the northern defense line alongside the 210th Division and the Galilee Formation.
In the next operational phase, the IDF launched a series of missions named “Fists of the Galilee.”
Company and battalion combat teams composed of infantry, armor, and engineering forces, supported by artillery, surveillance units, and airpower, have been conducting targeted incursions into areas of southern Lebanon aimed at pushing back Hezbollah activity.
Since the start of Operation Roaring Lion, the IDF has carried out extensive strikes against Hezbollah command centers, damaging the organization’s command-and-control capabilities, financial resources, and weapons stockpiles.
The IDF said Hezbollah systematically positions its military infrastructure within civilian population centers throughout Lebanon. As a result, Israeli forces have issued evacuation instructions to residents in several areas to reduce the risk to civilians during military operations.
According to the military, prior to attacks, the IDF has taken steps to minimize civilian harm, including advance warnings, the use of precision-guided munitions, and aerial surveillance.
The IDF said the measures were taken to reduce civilian casualties while continuing operations against Hezbollah targets in Lebanon.