Israeli forces advance near Lebanese army post

By Fekry Abdeen and Rania Abu Shamala

ISTANBUL (AA) - An Israeli military unit advanced near a Lebanese army post late Wednesday, prompting Lebanon to deploy reinforcements.

The Israeli force, backed by infantry and a bulldozer, reportedly entered the Bir Shaib area on the eastern outskirts of Blida in Marjayoun district in southern Lebanon, the National News Agency (NNA) reported.

The Lebanese army responded by dispatching reinforcements to the area adjacent to the breach, though no further details were provided.

Israeli forces have conducted near-daily attacks in southern Lebanon, claiming to target the Hezbollah group’s activities, despite a ceasefire that was reached in November. The truce ended months of cross-border warfare between Israel and Hezbollah, which escalated into a full-scale conflict in September.

Lebanese authorities have reported nearly 3,000 Israeli violations of the truce, including the deaths of over 200 people and injuries to at least 500 since last November.​​​​​​​

Under the ceasefire deal, Israel was supposed to fully withdraw from southern Lebanon by Jan. 26, but the deadline was extended to Feb. 18 after Israel refused to comply. Israel still maintains a military presence at five border outposts.