TEL AVIV, Israel – The Israeli military has ramped up its ground operations in southern Lebanon, introducing an additional division to its ongoing conflict with Iran-backed Hezbollah forces. While the exact number of troops in a division is classified, it typically consists of at least 10,000 soldiers. This move comes despite Israel’s insistence that its operation in Lebanon is “limited, localized, targeted.”
The 36th Division of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), along with additional forces, has been deployed to the region, joining the military’s efforts to target Hezbollah militants. This division includes soldiers from the Golani Brigade, 188th Armored Brigade, and 6th Infantry Brigade, accompanied by the Israeli Air Force and the 282nd Artillery Brigade. The decision to bring in more troops follows the relocation of the elite 98th division from Gaza to northern Israel last month.
Israeli troops have crossed the border into Lebanon, prompting concerns about a potential full-scale invasion. Despite some “sporadic raids” in recent days, Israeli forces have not maintained a presence on Lebanese soil, according to sources from the UN Interim Forces in Lebanon and high-level Lebanese security officials. The incursion follows a series of airstrikes that have resulted in casualties and the displacement of thousands of Lebanese civilians.
Historically, Israeli military operations declared as “limited” have often escalated beyond their initial scope. This includes the prolonged occupation of southern Lebanon that began in 1982 and the destruction caused by recent operations in Rafah, southern Gaza. The ongoing conflict with Hezbollah in Lebanon continues to raise concerns about the potential for further escalation and regional instability.
The situation remains fluid as Israeli forces intensify their ground operations in southern Lebanon, with the conflict showing no signs of immediate resolution. The presence of additional troops and continued airstrikes underscore the volatile nature of the region, as tensions between Israel and Hezbollah persist. The impact on civilians caught in the crossfire highlights the human cost of the ongoing conflict and the pressing need for diplomatic efforts to address the root causes of the crisis.