TEL AVIV, March 3 (Reuters) — Israel moved more troops into southern Lebanon during overnight operations, positioning them defensively along the border to shield Israeli citizens and critical infrastructure from possible Hezbollah attacks, military officials announced Tuesday.
Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani explained during a virtual press conference with journalists that the forces are stationed strictly for protection purposes. “We’re only at the borderline area in a defensive manner to prevent attacks against civilians and very strategic important points,” Shoshani stated.
The troop movement was authorized by Defense Minister Israel Katz, who issued a statement explaining his decision to allow the military to move forward and secure additional positions within Lebanon. This action followed rocket attacks launched by Hezbollah against Israel on Sunday evening, which came as a response to coordinated strikes by the United States and Israel targeting Iran.
Since November 2024, Israeli military forces have maintained control over five strategic positions within southern Lebanon territory.
