In a significant escalation, Israeli ground forces have advanced into southern Lebanon, marking a critical phase in Israel's ongoing conflict with Hezbollah militants. The Israeli military confirmed that intense fighting has erupted in parts of southern Lebanon, especially south of the Litani River. Residents have been warned to avoid entering the region, which includes many towns and villages near the Israeli border.
Avichay Adraee, the Israeli military’s Arabic-language spokesperson, urged civilians to stay clear of the area in a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter).
As tensions mount, Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni emphasized the need for urgent de-escalation in the region. In a statement, Meloni highlighted the importance of protecting civilians and ensuring the safety of Italian troops in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), who are stationed in the region.
Italy, holding the G7 presidency, is coordinating with its international allies to stabilize the volatile situation along the Israel-Lebanon border. The country is also working to assist those displaced by the fighting, Meloni added.
In Cyprus, Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos noted that while large-scale evacuations from Lebanon had not yet begun, there were controlled evacuations underway. Cyprus, acting as a temporary host for evacuees under the "Estia" plan, has already received some foreign diplomatic staff and Saudi nationals, with 60 Chinese nationals expected to arrive by ship at Limassol port soon.
On the ground, Hezbollah has yet to comment on the Israeli ground offensive, but the militant group has confirmed it launched artillery and rocket attacks on Israeli border positions overnight and into Tuesday morning. Casualties among Israeli soldiers remain unclear.
The White House National Security Council (NSC) weighed in, reaffirming Israel's right to defend itself against Hezbollah and other Iranian-backed groups. However, the NSC warned that any expansion of Israeli operations poses risks. A diplomatic solution, the council stated, is the only path toward lasting peace along the Israel-Lebanon border.
U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, in a call with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, voiced support for Israel’s right to protect its citizens and dismantle Hezbollah’s military infrastructure along the border. Austin and Gallant agreed on the necessity of neutralizing Hezbollah’s capabilities in southern Lebanon to prevent further attacks.
As the conflict intensifies, regional and international efforts to de-escalate the situation are urgently underway, though the path to peace remains uncertain.