IDF poised for offensive against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon city; soldier moderately injured by drone

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) is poised to launch a significant offensive against Hezbollah in Nabatieh, a key stronghold in southern Lebanon, according to an IDF official. This announcement follows a recent incident where a Hezbollah drone moderately injured an IDF soldier in the region.

Recent weeks have seen an escalation of Israeli operations in Lebanon, driven by frustration in northern Israel over ongoing rocket and drone attacks from Hezbollah. The IDF's 36th Division has advanced into southern Lebanon, operating near Nabatieh. The official detailed clandestine operations along the Litani River, including the construction of a new bridge, which allowed armored vehicles to cross undetected.

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Hezbollah is retreating, but it is holding on to the Nabatieh line, where it really wants to prevent our occupation.

Nabatieh is located northwest of Beaufort Castle, which the IDF recently recaptured. The division's next move, contingent on Israeli leadership decisions, could involve advancing further into Nabatieh or shifting west to continue operations along the Litani River. The official stated that Hezbollah is retreating but holding the Nabatieh line, aiming to prevent an Israeli occupation.

In parallel, the IDF announced it had achieved "operational control" over the Wadi Saluki stream area, approximately 10 kilometers from the border. This operation, involving ground troops and the air force, destroyed numerous Hezbollah sites, including infrastructure used for explosive drones and rocket fire. The military stated this effort aims to strengthen control in southern Lebanon and reduce threats to Israeli border communities.

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The Saluki stream area is used by the Hezbollah terror organization as infrastructure for operating explosive drones and carrying out rocket fire against IDF troops operating in the area.