Israel expands Lebanon ground operations

Israel has significantly escalated its military operations in Lebanon, conducting over 120 airstrikes and expanding ground incursions beyond its self-declared security zone. These actions, directed by Benjamin Netanyahu, are aimed at fortifying a security strip and eliminating threats from Hezbollah. The strikes have resulted in at least 31 deaths and 40 injuries in Lebanon, including women and children, and have caused widespread destruction of homes and infrastructure, including historical sites and water reservoirs. Hezbollah has retaliated with explosive drones, rockets, and artillery against Israeli forces and tanks. This escalation comes despite a fragile US-brokered ceasefire and is linked to a broader US-Israeli conflict with Iran. The ongoing fighting has displaced over a million people in Lebanon and has led to casualties on both sides, with 21 Israeli soldiers killed since the conflict began and a cumulative toll of 3,213 dead and 9,737 wounded in Lebanon since March 2.