Israel approves plans to 'deepen operations' against Hezbollah in Lebanon

The Israeli army said Friday that the chief of staff approved plans to "deepen operations" against Hezbollah in Lebanon, signaling an intensification of the northern front conflict. In a statement on X, military spokesperson Ella Wawiya said Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir endorsed continuing military plans aimed at "deepening" operations against the Lebanese group following a security assessment covering multiple fronts.

Force buildup

According to the statement, the plan includes a large reinforcement of regular forces along the northern border, as well as the mobilization of additional reserve units. The army said part of the reserve forces called up at the start of the operation launched March 2 against Lebanon were redeployed to the Central and Southern commands to maintain operational readiness on different fronts, indicating a multi-front strategy.

Bridge strike as 'message'

The military also said it struck the Tarfalsi–Zrariyeh bridge on the Litani River in southern Lebanon, claiming the attack was meant to send a "message to the Lebanese state," which it alleged allowed Hezbollah to operate freely in the area. The strike on civilian infrastructure raises concerns about widening targeting criteria.

War on Iran continues

Regarding the war with Iran, the Israeli army claimed it had struck more than 2,000 targets in western and central Iran in the last 24 hours as part of operations since Feb. 28. US and Israeli forces have now struck over 9,000 targets in Iran, according to Tehran officials, while Iran has launched approximately 3,200 projectiles toward Israel and regional US assets.

Conflict context

On March 2, Israel expanded its offensive in Lebanon after launching, alongside the US, a military campaign against Iran on Feb. 28 that killed hundreds, including former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Hezbollah, an ally of Iran, attacked an Israeli military site March 2 in response to continued Israeli strikes on Lebanon despite a November 2024 ceasefire. Israel then launched new airstrikes on Beirut's southern suburbs and other areas before beginning a limited ground incursion into southern Lebanon on March 3. Lebanese authorities said Thursday that Israel's expanded attacks have killed 733, injured 1,933 and displaced 822,000.