Buildings lie in ruins in Mansouri, as seen from Haniyeh, Lebanon, Sept. 29, 2026. (Credit: Mohamed Azakir/Reuters)
SOUTH LEBANON — Israeli forces moved military vehicles into Hadatha (Bint Jbeil) early Wednesday as artillery fire hit several areas across southern Lebanon, according to our correspondent in the South. An Israeli military source told Sky News Arabia that Israeli forces would not withdraw from southern Lebanon “for years,” saying Hezbollah infrastructure remains “everywhere” south of the “Yellow Line.”
At around 6 a.m., Israeli military vehicles moved through Hadatha as machine-gun fire swept the area. After 7 a.m., Israeli artillery shelled the town toward Rashaf (Bint Jbeil).
In the eastern sector, intense machine-gun fire was reported from the Ruwaysat al-Alam position toward Kfar Shuba and its surroundings (Hasbaya).
Israeli artillery also targeted Mansouri (Sour), while Israeli forces were seen moving military vehicles in Taybeh (Marjayoun). Artillery fire also struck the outskirts of Kfar Tibnit (Nabatieh).
Overnight Tuesday into Wednesday
Overnight, Israeli artillery shelled Wadi al-Nafkha in Zibqine (Sour) and Nabatieh Fawqa (Nabatieh).
Israeli forces also fired machine guns from the Samaka position toward the Azrael area south of Kfar Shuba (Hasbaya), and toward Braasheet (Bint Jbeil).
At around 10 p.m., Israeli artillery shelled Mansouri (Sour) and fired seven shells at Wadi Slouqi (Marjayoun). Machine-gun fire and illumination flares were also reported from the Radar position toward the outskirts of Shebaa (Hasbaya).
After midnight, Israeli warplanes carried out two airstrikes on Wadi Slouqi (Marjayoun).
On Tuesday, Israeli warplanes carried out airstrikes on one southern town, while 13 towns were subjected to artillery fire. Israeli forces also carried out a major demolition operation targeting houses, buildings and infrastructure in one town, according to our correspondent.
Israeli military source: No withdrawal from south for years
An Israeli military source told Sky News Arabia on Wednesday that Israeli forces would not withdraw from southern Lebanon and that residents would not return to the area “for years.”
The source said Hezbollah infrastructure was present “everywhere” south of the “Yellow Line,” an Israeli-designated area of military deployment and control that currently extends roughly 8 to 10 kilometers into southern Lebanon from the Blue Line, the U.N.-recognized demarcation between Lebanon and Israel. Israel has also discussed a narrower “Gray Line,” roughly 3 to 4 kilometers from the Blue Line, as a possible future redeployment line.
The Israeli military has repeatedly said it is targeting Hezbollah’s underground infrastructure in southern Lebanon. It has reported dismantling tunnels and other underground facilities, including in the Ali al-Taher area.
The source said searching for Hezbollah infrastructure in the area "would take years." The source also said the Lebanese Army was “infiltrated,” and "was not performing its duties adequately" and needed to be restructured. The source further said the presence of UNIFIL was "more harmful" to Israel than beneficial and that Israel would prefer the force not to be present.
Separately, Iran’s Foreign Ministry said Tuesday that U.N. Special Envoy for Lebanon Jean Arnault met with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Tehran to discuss “developments in Lebanon, the Israeli presence there and efforts to consolidate the cease-fire.”
Araghchi reiterated "Iran’s support for Lebanon’s territorial integrity and sovereignty" and said Tehran was “ready to continue consultations with the U.N. and regional countries to help maintain stability and security in Lebanon."
Reporting contributed by our correspondent in the South, Muntasser Abdallah.
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