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LEBANON WAR

Clashes ongoing between Hezbollah and Israeli army south of Bint Jbeil and Beit Lif

Clashes ongoing between Hezbollah and Israeli army south of Bint Jbeil and Beit Lif

Israeli attack on Aitaroun (Bint Jbeil) in late September. (Credit: NNA)

BEIRUT — Clashes can be heard on different axes along the Blue Line, in southern Lebanon, as the exchange of fire between Hezbollah and an Israeli force trying to infiltrate into the towns continues, our correspondent in the south reported Thursday, noting that sounds of explosions can also be heard.

Fighting is taking place on the outskirts of the towns of Aitaroun and Ainata, both located south of the town of Bint Jbeil, as well as along the Qaouzah–Beit Lif area, also in Bint Jbeil district, to prevent an Israeli force from advancing toward the strategic Beit Lif Valley. 

The Israeli army attempts to advance in South Lebanon a day after Israel’s military ground operation in southern Lebanon has been expanded, the country’s defense minister Israel Katz had said on Wednesday.

Katz did not clarify when the decision to expand operations was taken and did not offer any details on what the expansion entails.

The Israeli land offensive in South Lebanon started on Sept. 30, a week after a violent escalation of the fighting against Hezbollah. 

“We have expanded the ground maneuver in southern Lebanon and we are operating against Hezbollah targets in the Dahieh district in Beirut and wherever necessary,” Katz told soldiers during his first visit to Israel’s Northern Command.

“We will not take our foot off the pedal,” Katz said, adding that Israel will not “agree to any deal that does not ensure the disarmament of Hezbollah and its withdrawal across the Litani River – and especially Israel’s right to enforce … and act against any terrorist activity and organization."

Hezbollah had announced earlier on Thursday morning that it had targeted gatherings of Israeli soldiers in Markaba and Houla (Marjayoun district.)

Last night, Hezbollah announced attacks against attempted Israeli infiltrations in the towns of Bint Jbeil and Maroun al-Ras (Bint Jbeil). It was the first time Hezbollah claimed an attack on Israeli assets around the town of Bint Jbeil. To carry this operation, the party said they used a Nasr-1 precision guided missile, in the first of use of this kind of projectile against soldiers in Lebanese territory.

Reporting contributed by Muntasser Abdallah 

BEIRUT — Clashes can be heard on different axes along the Blue Line, in southern Lebanon, as the exchange of fire between Hezbollah and an Israeli force trying to infiltrate into the towns continues, our correspondent in the south reported Thursday, noting that sounds of explosions can also be heard.Fighting is taking place on the outskirts of the towns of Aitaroun and Ainata, both located south of the town of Bint Jbeil, as well as along the Qaouzah–Beit Lif area, also in Bint Jbeil district, to prevent an Israeli force from advancing toward the strategic Beit Lif Valley. The Israeli army attempts to advance in South Lebanon a day after Israel’s military ground operation in southern Lebanon has been expanded, the country’s defense minister Israel Katz had said on Wednesday.Katz did not clarify when the decision to expand...