The Israeli army stated that its soldiers are engaged in fierce battles with Hezbollah fighters in southern Lebanon. Meanwhile, Hezbollah confirmed that it targeted « movements of enemy soldiers » at the Al-Mutalla site with artillery shells, achieving direct hits.
Israeli army spokesperson Avichay Adraee tweeted on Tuesday that intense battles are taking place in southern Lebanon, urging residents « not to travel by vehicles from the north to south of the Litani River until further notice. »
On the other hand, Israeli Internal Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir said that the Israeli army « is currently fighting under difficult conditions in southern Lebanon, » adding that « now is the right time to defeat Hezbollah and return the northern residents to their homes. »
The Israeli army previously announced that forces from the 98th Division, including commando, paratrooper, and the 7th armored brigades, are participating in the operation in Lebanon.