Israel to expand operations in southern Lebanon

AFP / France 24
by FRANCE24
March 30, 2026
3 min read

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Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has ordered expanded military operations against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered an expansion of military operations in southern Lebanon targeting Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed militant group. The escalation comes as fighting that began in early March has killed approximately 1,200 people in Lebanon, according to the Lebanese government's count. Israel's expanded campaign represents a significant intensification of a conflict that has drawn regional powers into direct confrontation, with Hezbollah launching cross-border attacks and Israel responding with sustained airstrikes and ground operations. The expansion signals Netanyahu's intent to degrade Hezbollah's capabilities and infrastructure in southern Lebanon, a longtime stronghold for the group. The fighting threatens to widen regional tensions involving Iran, which backs Hezbollah, and could further destabilize Lebanon's fragile political situation.

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