Israel Advances Beyond Litani River, Escalates Lebanon Operations Despite Ceasefire
Israeli forces have crossed Lebanon's Litani River for the first time since 2006, expanding military operations in southern Lebanon despite a ceasefire nominally in place since April. The escalation has killed dozens and displaced over a million Lebanese civilians.
Major Escalation
Israel's military has advanced beyond Lebanon's Litani River for the first time since 2006. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Friday that Israeli ground forces had crossed over Lebanon's Litani River, which runs around 18 miles north of the two nations' shared border.
Scope of Operations
Israel moved its line of military operations about 7 miles farther north in southern Lebanon earlier this week, warning residents to move above the Zahrani River. Israel launched more than 120 airstrikes on Tuesday alone, one of the heaviest days of bombing in weeks.
Humanitarian Toll
Since March 2, over a million Lebanese have been forced to flee their homes, and more than 3,100 people have been killed in Israeli attacks. Seven children were killed and 30 were injured on Thursday alone, with 55 children killed and 212 wounded since the announcement of the disregarded ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel on April 17.
Lebanon's Response
Lebanon's Prime Minister Nawaf Salam accused Israel of "not only targeting specific areas, but … carrying out a policy of comprehensive destruction and practicing mass displacement" inside the country. "This war was imposed on us, and its cost today is heavy," Salam said in a televised speech, adding that "Israel will not gain security through destruction."
Impact on Iran Deal
The intensifying combat between Israel and Hezbollah may put at risk any agreement between the United States and Iran, which is insisting that it include a ceasefire in Lebanon. The ceasefire didn't stop fighting between the Israeli army and Iranian-backed Hezbollah, which swiftly disregarded the truce as "appeasement."