Lebanese Army Withdraws from Border Posts as Israel Boosts Presence

Alanbatnews -

The Lebanese army has vacated several advanced positions along its southern border with Israel, as the Israeli military reinforces its presence in the area, raising tensions along the tense frontier.

The troop movements follow a series of escalating incidents, including Israeli strikes on Beirut's southern suburbs and retaliatory attacks by Hezbollah on military bases in northern Israel.

Lebanon's National News Agency reported the army's withdrawal from forward positions, redeploying to new locations. Witnesses confirmed to Reuters that at least seven frontline positions had been abandoned.

An unnamed Lebanese official told Reuters that Israeli forces were conducting incursions across parts of the Lebanese border.

Earlier, Avichay Adraee, a spokesperson for the Israeli military, announced an operation to bolster defenses in northern Israel. He stated that troops from the 91st Division were deploying to strategic points in southern Lebanon to strengthen the defensive line along the northern border, coinciding with the ongoing 'Lion's Roar' operation.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said he had instructed troops to advance and seize new positions inside Lebanon, following Hezbollah strikes on northern Israel.

Katz accused Hezbollah of escalating the conflict under Iranian direction, holding the group responsible for the consequences. He affirmed that the Israeli army would take all necessary measures to defend its citizens.

The Israeli military also announced that a naval strike on Beirut resulted in the death of Reza Khazaei, allegedly responsible for Hezbollah's military buildup on behalf of the Quds Force. According to the statement, Khazaei coordinated between Hezbollah and Iran, managing the flow of weapons and equipment.

Hezbollah claimed responsibility for targeting three Israeli military bases in response to the strikes in Lebanon. The group reported launching a swarm of drones at the Meron base for surveillance and air operations in northern Israel, resulting in damage to a radar system and a command building.

Hezbollah said the attacks were a response to Israeli aggression against Lebanese towns and cities, including Beirut's southern suburbs. The group also launched drones towards the Golan Heights and a barrage of rockets towards northern Israel.

The Israeli military carried out strikes in the southern suburbs of Beirut, targeting the Hezbollah-affiliated Al-Nour radio station.

Prior to the strikes, Adraee issued warnings to residents of Beirut's southern suburbs, specifically the Haret Hreik and Ghobeiry areas, urging them to evacuate buildings near Hezbollah facilities.

The Israeli military also issued an urgent warning to residents of numerous villages in Lebanon, advising them to evacuate their homes immediately.