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Israeli Military Intensifies Attacks in Southern and Eastern Lebanon, Seeks Buffer Zone Expansion
Israeli Military Attacks and Expansion Plans in Southern and Eastern Lebanon
Israeli forces have launched a series of attacks across southern and eastern Lebanon, escalating their conflict with Hezbollah. Israeli media reports indicate that Israel intends to expand a buffer zone along the Lebanese border beyond its current areas of deployment. Over the past two days, Israeli forces have shelled the southern Lebanese border town of Khiam, and Hezbollah announced it carried out an anti-tank missile attack targeting an Israeli Merkava tank. Israeli forces admitted that two soldiers were killed in clashes last week.
Currently, Israeli forces are attempting to occupy high ground south of the Litani River in southern Lebanon. Specifically, on Sunday, they attempted to seize the village of Taybeh. Israel is employing a strategy to strengthen control over the border region, preventing Lebanese villagers from returning home, a situation that has persisted despite a two-year truce. Israel is clearly demonstrating its intention to seize strategic strongholds to enhance its control over the area.
Lebanese Government's Negotiation Proposal and Hezbollah's Firm Stance
The Lebanese government has proposed direct negotiations under international mediation to end the fighting with Israel. However, this proposal has received no particular response from the U.S. Trump administration, raising concerns within Lebanon that Israel is pushing for a military solution or unconditional surrender. Meanwhile, Hezbollah maintains a strong stance. Hezbollah has refused political negotiations and reiterated last night that it will continue the fight. A Hezbollah leadership figure stated that the choice is not between 'war and peace' but 'war and humiliating surrender,' expressing the will to continue the war with Israel.
Amidst this, Hezbollah has not ceased its cross-border attacks using armed drones and long-range projectiles. While some were intercepted, missiles fell in central Israel yesterday. Tensions are escalating as Israeli forces recently threatened further attacks on buildings in Abassiyeh in southern Lebanon and the southern city of Sidon.
*Source: YouTube: Al Jazeera English (2026-03-10)*
