Israel Escalates Strikes in Lebanon, Hezbollah Remains Secretive

Israel's military escalated its operations in southern Lebanon on Thursday, launching airstrikes deeper into the country in what appears to be an attempt to set new rules of engagement with Hezbollah.

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The strikes on the town marked a notable escalation after nearly two weeks in which detonations and airstrikes had remained confined to towns inside the Yellow Line and its surroundings, extending into Lebanese territory.

The Israeli military stated the strikes were in response to Hezbollah launching two drones toward its forces. This marked a notable escalation after nearly two weeks of detonations and airstrikes that had largely remained confined to towns near the border.

Security sources in southern Lebanon interpreted the latest escalation as an Israeli effort to expand the scope of strikes deeper into the south whenever Hezbollah confronts Israeli attempts to seize strategic heights. This pattern has recurred when the Israeli military reports its forces have come under attack.

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Security sources in southern Lebanon viewed the latest escalation as an Israeli attempt to establish rules of engagement with Hezbollah by expanding the scope of strikes deeper into the south whenever Hezbollah fighters confront Israeli military attempts to seize the strategic heights.

Hezbollah has not claimed responsibility for any military operations, adhering to a decision to maintain secrecy, according to sources familiar with the group's operations. However, Israeli statements point to Hezbollah activity in strategic heights whenever Israeli military vehicles attempt to advance there. Israeli media have reported five explosive-laden drones targeting Israeli troops in the area since early August.

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Hezbollah has not claimed responsibility for any military operation against Israeli forces in the area, in line with a decision to maintain secrecy, according to sources familiar with the group’s political and media operations.

Israel is determined to seize strategic heights east of Nabatieh. However, its efforts face Hezbollah's refusal to evacuate and hand over facilities to the Lebanese army, alongside Iranian threats of military intervention if Israel launches a large-scale operation. Lebanese sources suggest the United States has curbed Israel's push for a major military operation, leading Tel Aviv to pursue control through gradual encroachment. Over the past two weeks, the Israeli military has intensified operations to "isolate" the Ali al-Taher Heights, striking buildings within a three-kilometer radius and destroying dozens of homes.

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Israeli statements, however, point to Hezbollah military activity in the strategic heights whenever Israeli military vehicles attempt to advance there.