Israeli military launches ‘ground operations’ in southern Lebanon

The Israeli army says its forces are striking key sites in Lebanon" class="entity-link entity-location" data-entity-id="6972" data-entity-type="location">Southern Lebanon, as fierce clashes with Hezbollah continue near the town of Khiam.Published On 16 Mar 2026The Israeli military says its troops have launched ‘limited and targeted ground operations‘ in Lebanon" class="entity-link entity-location" data-entity-id="6972" data-entity-type="location">Southern Lebanon as fighting against Hezbollah intensifies around the strategic southern town of Khiam.At least three air strikes struck the city of Khiam, Al Jazeera Arabic reported on Monday.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemslist 1 of 4France offers to broker Lebanon-Israel talks: What do we know?list 2 of 4Israeli attacks kill 4 people in Lebanon as deadly strikes continuelist 3 of 4Thousands in Paris protest military actions in Iran, Lebanon and Palestinelist 4 of 4Al-Quds Day rally in Toronto calls for an end to the war in Iran & Lebanonend of listKhiam, a stronghold of Hezbollah, is strategically located and is seen as a gateway to Lebanon" class="entity-link entity-location" data-entity-id="6972" data-entity-type="location">Southern Lebanon. The latest war started after Hezbollah fired rockets in response to the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Hezbollah had not attacked Israel since the 2024 ceasefire despite repeated Israeli violations of the United States-brokered deal.On Monday morning, two Israeli air raids targeted the town of Yater, Al Jazeera Arabic reported. There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage.Israel also launched raids on Burj Qalawiya, Sultaniya and Chaqra, also in Lebanon" class="entity-link entity-location" data-entity-id="6972" data-entity-type="location">Southern Lebanon, according to Al Jazeera Arabic. Two raids were also conducted on the towns of Qantara and as-Sawana.“In recent days, IDF troops from the 91st division have begun limited and targeted ground operations against key Hezbollah strongholds in Lebanon" class="entity-link entity-location" data-entity-id="6972" data-entity-type="location">Southern Lebanon, aimed at enhancing the forward defence area,” the military said in a statement.“This operation is part of the effort to establish the forward defence, which includes destroying terrorist infrastructure and eliminating terrorists,” it added.Importance of KhiamKhiam sits on high ground just a few kilometres from the Israeli border and the Litani River, giving it a commanding view over northern Israel and nearby Lebanese plains.