Israeli Military Expands Ground Operations in Southern Lebanon; Both Sides Trade Accusations of Ceasefire Violations

The Israeli military announced today that it is advancing within Lebanon as part of expanded ground operations to strengthen its military presence in the south, where it is fighting the Iran-backed Hezbollah. The IDF stated that large ground forces have launched offensive actions to expand the 'Forward Defense Line' and have crossed the Litani River. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on the 29th that forces had crossed the river, which lies about 30 kilometers north of the border. Although a ceasefire agreement was intended to end the conflict, it has never been effectively implemented since taking effect on April 17. Both Israel and Hezbollah accuse each other of violating the agreement to justify their attacks. Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam accused Israel of conducting a 'scorched earth policy' in the south. According to the Lebanese Ministry of Health, over 3,371 people have been killed since Hezbollah entered the conflict on March 2.