Israeli Ground Assault Targets Hezbollah in Bint Jbeil

Intense clashes erupted in the strategic southern Lebanese town of Bint Jbeil on April 13, as Israeli forces encircled the area and launched a ground assault against Hezbollah fighters, who responded with rockets, artillery, and drones. The fighting, occurring just days after a disputed U.S.-Iran ceasefire took effect, has heightened tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border and complicated upcoming diplomatic efforts in Washington.

Lebanese security sources and the Israeli military reported that troops had surrounded Hezbollah infrastructure in Bint Jbeil, a provincial capital and longtime militant stronghold about five kilometers from the border. The Israeli military stated it had killed more than 100 Hezbollah fighters during operations in the town and surrounding areas, while local media indicated that dozens of militants remained holed up and prepared to resist. Hezbollah claimed at least five attacks on Israeli positions near a school, hospital, and key junctions in the town on April 12. Lebanon's state-run National News Agency described artillery shelling and airstrikes continuing into April 13, with most exit roads blocked, trapping fighters and civilians alike.