Israel Expands Military Operations in Lebanon, Strikes Christian-Majority Town

Israel widened its military operations in Lebanon on Monday, targeting new areas as part of its ongoing conflict with Hezbollah, the Iran-backed militant group. At least 18 people were killed in the town of Aitou in northern Lebanon, marking the first Israeli strike on the Christian-majority area, according to the Lebanese Red Cross. The attack hit a house that had been rented to displaced families, Aitou Mayor Joseph Trad told Reuters. The strike also left four people injured.

Previously, Israel’s military operations in Lebanon had focused on the southern regions, the eastern Bekaa Valley, and the suburbs of Beirut. This latest strike represents a significant expansion of Israel’s campaign.

In a separate attack, Israel targeted Hezbollah’s elite Radwan Force, killing Muhammad Kamel Naim, the commander of the group’s anti-tank missile unit, in the Nabatieh region of southern Lebanon. Hezbollah has not yet responded to the reports.

Amid rising tensions, Israel ordered residents of 25 villages in southern Lebanon to evacuate to areas north of the Awali River. The Israeli military has intensified its efforts in southern Lebanon, aiming to dismantle Hezbollah’s military infrastructure while it continues its campaign against Hamas in Gaza.

Tensions With UN Peacekeepers

Israel’s operations have escalated tensions with the United Nations peacekeeping force, UNIFIL, stationed in southern Lebanon. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called for UNIFIL to withdraw, accusing the peacekeepers of acting as “human shields” for Hezbollah. Israel disputes UN allegations that its tanks breached a UN base on Sunday, adding to a series of accusations between the two parties.

UNIFIL has expressed concern over Israel’s attacks on its watchtowers, cameras, and equipment, which it says have hindered its ability to monitor the conflict. EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell condemned Israel’s actions as “completely unacceptable,” urging a stronger response from the international community.

Weapons and Tunnel Networks

The Israeli military has taken foreign journalists into southern Lebanon to showcase Hezbollah tunnel shafts, which were found close to UN positions. Israel claims to have destroyed numerous Hezbollah tunnels, rocket launchers, and command posts as part of its operations near the border. Israeli military officials also displayed large caches of weapons, reportedly from Iran and Russia, that they believe were prepared for attacks on Israel.

The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, which reignited last year when the militant group fired rockets in support of Hamas, has sharply escalated in recent weeks. Israel says its goal is to secure the return of its residents displaced from northern Israel amid the ongoing hostilities.