Israel Expands Military Operations Beyond Lebanon's 'Yellow Line' As Hezbollah Conflict Escalates

Last Updated:May 26, 2026, 21:13 IST

Until now, Israeli troops have been operating inside the 'Yellow Line', but recent reports indicated that they had expanded operations to reduce drone threats.

The Israeli Army on Tuesday confirmed that it has begun operating beyond southern Lebanon’s so-called “yellow line" a day after it launched a fresh wave of airstrikes across Lebanon following Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s call to “crush" Hezbollah amid soaring cross-border tensions.

“The IDF is operating in a targeted manner beyond the Forward Defence Line in order to remove direct threats to the citizens of the State of Israel and IDF troops, in accordance with the directives of the political echelon," an Israeli military official told AFP on Tuesday, without offering specific details on the location of the soldiers.

The Times of Israel also confirmed that the IDF has expanded ground operations beyond the designated security zone in recent days in an effort to push Hezbollah operatives farther north and reduce the threat of explosive drone attacks on northern Israel.

As per Israeli reports, troops have been carrying out targeted intelligence-based raids beyond the forward defensive line and north of the Litani River, where Hezbollah maintains infrastructure and operational footholds. Until now, Israeli troops have been operating inside the ‘Yellow Line’, where they have carried out large-scale demolitions despite a ceasefire in effect since April 17.

Israel Intensifies Lebanon Campaign

The development came alongside intensified Israeli airstrikes across southern Lebanon, with the military striking more than 100 Hezbollah targets. Several strikes hit the southern Lebanese city of Nabatieh on Tuesday after an Israeli evacuation warning.

The escalation comes at a sensitive moment as the United States and Iran continue negotiations aimed at ending the wider Middle East conflict — talks that could also impact the Lebanon front, where Israel and Hezbollah have been engaged in hostilities since March 2.

News world Israel Expands Military Operations Beyond Lebanon's 'Yellow Line' As Hezbollah Conflict Escalates

Read More