Netanyahu confirms Israeli forces crossed Litani River in Lebanon

Expansion beyond declared lines

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday that his forces have crossed the Litani River in southern Lebanon, signaling an expansion of ground operations beyond previously declared boundaries. Speaking during a seminar in the Jordan Valley, Netanyahu stated that Israeli troops attacked Beirut and the coastal city of Tyre while crossing the strategic waterway, vowing to strike Hezbollah "forcefully," according to Israel's Channel 14.

He also claimed that the military would eliminate the group's drone threat, which he has described in recent weeks as a "major threat" due to detection difficulties. The Litani River originates west of Baalbek and flows through the Bekaa Valley before reaching southern Lebanon, marking a significant geographic threshold in the conflict.

Ceasefire violations

Israel continues to violate a ceasefire agreement announced on April 17 that was extended until early July, prompting Hezbollah to respond with rocket and drone attacks targeting Israeli troops and military vehicles in the border region. The group has stepped up drone operations in recent weeks, raising growing concerns in Israel over the capability to detect and intercept such threats.

Civilian toll

Since March 2, Israeli forces have conducted a large-scale offensive in Lebanon that has left 3,269 people dead and 9,840 wounded, according to official figures through Wednesday. The offensive has displaced more than 1 million people, while Israeli forces have advanced approximately 10 kilometers into southern Lebanese territory and maintained occupation of areas held for decades or captured during the 2023-2024 war.