BEIRUT, Lebanon — Israeli forces have reached the outskirts of Nabatieh, one of southern Lebanon’s largest cities, in a major escalation of the conflict with Hezbollah and one of Israel’s deepest advances into Lebanese territory in years.
A senior Lebanese military source told Anadolu that Israeli troops had crossed north of the Litani River and advanced into areas including Zawtar al-Sharqiyah and Shqif Arnoun, near Nabatieh. Al Jazeera reported that Israeli forces were now positioned on the city’s outskirts, raising fears that Nabatieh could become the next major urban front in the war.
Nabatieh is a key economic and cultural centre in southern Lebanon and has symbolic importance for many Lebanese because of its historic role in resistance to Israeli military operations. If Israeli troops enter the city itself, it would mark a significant expansion of the ground campaign and could trigger large-scale displacement.
The advance comes after days of intensified Israeli air and artillery strikes across southern Lebanon. The Associated Press reported that Israeli attacks targeted areas near the historic Beaufort Castle, close to Nabatieh, while evacuation warnings were issued for more than a dozen southern villages.
Israel says its operations are aimed at dismantling Hezbollah military infrastructure and pushing the group away from the border. Hezbollah has responded with rockets and drones targeting Israeli troops and northern Israeli communities, saying its attacks are retaliation for strikes on Lebanese towns.
The latest ground movement also coincides with military talks between Lebanese and Israeli officials in Washington, even as fighting continues. Al Jazeera reported that Israeli forces crossed the Litani River as the two sides began security discussions hosted in the United States.
The Lebanese army is under growing strain. A geopolitical analyst cited by Al Jazeera said the army was “overly stretched” as Israeli forces expand their occupation of Lebanese territory and appear positioned to encircle Nabatieh.
The fighting has continued despite a U.S.-brokered ceasefire announced in April. Since the conflict widened earlier this year, thousands have been killed and more than a million people displaced in Lebanon, according to reports citing Lebanese officials and international agencies.
For civilians in Nabatieh and surrounding towns, the Israeli advance has deepened fear of a wider assault. Many residents have already fled after evacuation orders, while others remain trapped by damaged roads, fuel shortages and uncertainty over where to go.
