Beirut, Lebanon – Well-informed Lebanese sources reported today that Hezbollah has redeployed elite fighters to southern Lebanon to confront Israeli forces. This move aims to prevent an Israeli military advance following escalating regional tensions and the intensifying US-Israeli conflict with Iran.
The return of the power of Al-Radwan
Sources reported that Hezbollah’s Radwan unit received direct orders to enter the battle, focusing on preventing any advance by Israeli tanks in areas such as the town of Khiam, between the Litani River and the border with Israel, from which it had withdrawn after the 2014 war. The group’s Secretary-General, Naim Qassem, also stated that these moves come as an “existential defense” of the people, the homeland, and the resistance.
Ongoing Israeli operations
For its part, Israel launched strikes on southern Lebanon and sent additional military reinforcements. Meanwhile, Lebanese civilians were urged to leave border areas, amid continued near-daily raids on Hezbollah positions, including training facilities for the Radwan Force. The Israeli military confirmed that two of its soldiers were wounded by anti-tank missiles fired from Lebanon.
background of the conflict
Hezbollah entered the current war following the assassination of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in a surprise attack by the United States and Israel on Tehran. During the 2014 war, approximately 5,000 of the group’s fighters were killed, including members of the elite Radwan Force. The group was left weakened before redeploying its forces in southern Lebanon. Hezbollah continues to launch rockets and drones at Israel. It also maintains that the ceasefire south of the Litani River does not extend to the rest of Lebanon.
The escalating situation in southern Lebanon continues, amid regional and international monitoring of developments in the confrontation between Hezbollah and Israel.
