Israel says 'limited' ground operations under way in Lebanon

BBC News
March 16, 2026
6 views
3 min read

Quick Insights

The Bottom Line

Israel launched limited ground operations in southern Lebanon targeting Hezbollah strongholds.

AI Summary

Israel has launched "limited" ground operations in southern Lebanon, with troops targeting what the military describes as "Hezbollah strongholds" in the region. The ground incursion follows weeks of escalating cross-border exchanges between Israeli forces and the Iran-backed militant group, which began after Hamas's October 7 attack on Israel. Israeli airstrikes on Monday reportedly killed seven people in the area where the ground operations are now taking place. This marks a significant escalation in the conflict, as Israel expands its military campaign beyond Gaza to directly engage Hezbollah forces on Lebanese soil. The ground offensive raises concerns about a broader regional war, particularly given Hezbollah's extensive military capabilities and its role as a key Iranian proxy in the region.

Source Coverage Map

6 of 43 tracked sources covered this story

14% coverage
Did Not Cover (37)
ICIJ97AP World News96AP News96AP US News96AP Top News96+32 more

Following this story?

Get notified when new coverage appears

Should this be getting more attention?

You Might Have Missed

Related stories from different sources and perspectives

Fearing Israeli strikes, a Druze village screens for Hezbollah militants among Lebanon’s displaced
Global

Fearing Israeli strikes, a Druze village screens for Hezbollah militants among Lebanon’s displaced

In the predominantly Druze city of Aley, located on Mount Lebanon, authorities scrupulously check the identity documents of the many displaced who seek refuge there. They hope the measures will reassure a population fearful of inciting Israeli strikes because of the potential presence of Hezbollah militants among the arrivals fleeing southern Lebanon.

© Assiya Hamza, FRANCE 24Mar 17
Israel strikes Iran natural gas facility in coordination with U.S.
Global

Israel strikes Iran natural gas facility in coordination with U.S.

<p>The <a href="https://www.axios.com/world/israel" target="_blank">Israeli Air Force</a> struck a natural gas processing facility in southwestern Iran, two senior Israeli officials said. </p><p><strong>Why it matters:</strong> This is the first time Israel has <a href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/18/israel-kills-iran-intelligence-minister-khatib" target="_blank">struck</a> natural gas facilities in Iran, which are key to <a href="https://www.axios.com/world/iran" target="_blank">Iran's</a> economy. </p><hr><ul><li>The Israeli officials said the strike was coordinated with and approved by the <a href="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" target="_blank">Trump administration</a>. </li><li>The semi-official Tasnim News Agency reported that several facilities in the South Pars gas field near Bushehr were targeted. According to the report, emergency teams were on the scene and trying to extinguish the fire.</li></ul><p><strong>Flashback:</strong> The Trump administratio...

AxiosMar 18
US defends Israel against South Africa’s allegation of genocide filed to top UN court - AP News
Global

US defends Israel against South Africa’s allegation of genocide filed to top UN court - AP News

<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMipgFBVV95cUxNUzdrN2xlbVE1bFYyVGFlRVdab2lQbDdBUVdQeVhSZS1sMEp3VHNrZG11S1JZV1pwX1hNQ21aTjhObTAyR3pWa0ItSVVIZzl2blJsSE5md3RqOHluLUtHN3pqclF2Ull3QUhPeVBNZ29IVmp1eU1WSEdGTUpEc1Yxcmh1eWpsMm4wN0h4YlpLUzR1RHdMcEhlTnNDVUpteS1tRkEyX3hR?oc=5" target="_blank">US defends Israel against South Africa’s allegation of genocide filed to top UN court</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<font color="#6f6f6f">AP News</font>

AP NewsMar 12
Israel pounds Beirut suburbs after Hezbollah launches rocket barrage
Global

Israel pounds Beirut suburbs after Hezbollah launches rocket barrage

Some Israeli strikes also hit other parts of the Lebanese capital, with eight people reportedly killed along the seafront.

BBC NewsMar 12
Israeli military claims brother of man who attacked Michigan synagogue was Hezbollah commander - AP News
National Security

Israeli military claims brother of man who attacked Michigan synagogue was Hezbollah commander - AP News

<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMipAFBVV95cUxNaEZ4b2dEQW9BaVVPMFo4MF9Pb0dTUUpkWHFPVUdiMkR2SFhXRzB6azNUdW1VQ0c2aTExMlktanhtV1kxd0NrQVhMNDh1c1gzQ1NPNU5PMFgyaWpwdzV0cEZjekJmOWFvcy01UjVvTW5odTFxNk1LUHVZcUtWLWpsYWlONVdOOXppa2JldTBMZlU2a2FLUUhsb0g4WUxxTFg1bFExdg?oc=5" target="_blank">Israeli military claims brother of man who attacked Michigan synagogue was Hezbollah commander</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<font color="#6f6f6f">AP News</font>

AP NewsMar 15
Hundreds protest against US-Israeli strikes on Iran in Seoul
Politics

Hundreds protest against US-Israeli strikes on Iran in Seoul

Hundreds of peace activists and demonstrators marched in central Seoul on Saturday in protest of the US-Israeli strikes.

Al JazeeraMar 14
Read Next
First Thing: Trump says US does not need Nato after strait of Hormuz rebuf | Clea Skopeliti
Global

First Thing: Trump says US does not need Nato after strait of Hormuz rebuf | Clea Skopeliti

<p>Snub comes as Iran vows revenge for killing of Ali Larijani. Plus, judge orders reinstatement of Voice of America staff</p><p>Good morning.</p><p>Donald Trump has said the US does not need Nato after a number of the organization’s members <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/mar/17/trump-us-president-nato-strait-of-hormuz-iran-middle-east">rejected his call to send their warships</a> to reopen the strait of Hormuz.</p><p><strong>How many people have been displaced in Iran?</strong> Up to 3.2 million people, according to the UN’s refugee agency. Here, Tehran residents <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/mar/18/iranians-daily-life-under-air-attack">speak about their daily life</a> under bombardment.</p><p><strong>For the latest updates,</strong> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2026/mar/18/iran-war-live-updates-oil-prices-hormuz-trump-larijani-key-leader-killed-israel-strikes">follow our liveblog.</a></p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us...

Continue reading

Did this story change how you see things?

Stories like this only matter when people see them. Help us get verified journalism in front of more eyes.

Share this story

Get the daily digest

Save for later

The Verity Ledger curates verified investigative journalism from trusted sources only.

See our sources