Israeli military forces have continued their advance in southern Lebanon, encircling the town of Bint Jbeil and carrying out operations involving the destruction of residential structures, according to multiple reports from the region.
The Israeli army announced that its 98th Division had completed the encirclement of Bint Jbeil and launched an assault on the town, stating it had eliminated more than 100 Hezbollah fighters in close combat and aerial engagements, as reported in an official statement.
Israeli officials said the operation aims to cut the town in half by approaching from two axes, with military analysts linking the move to pressure on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from the United States to reduce escalation ahead of U.S.-Iran talks in Islamabad and upcoming Lebanon-Israel discussions in Washington.
According to the Israeli military, Hezbollah launched approximately 30 rockets toward Israel on Friday, causing material damage. The army also reported that 10 of its soldiers were injured in the fighting around Bint Jbeil and that an officer holding the rank of major was killed.
Israeli forces released video and images they said were taken inside Bint Jbeil, showing the detention of three Hezbollah fighters in the town on April 14. However, the military has not yet declared full control of the town, which hosted a 2000 celebration marking Israel’s withdrawal from Lebanon, attended by the late Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah, who was assassinated by Israel in September 2024.
Israeli and Lebanese officials are expected to meet with U.S. Representatives in Washington next week to discuss a potential ceasefire between the two sides.
The military campaign has included the systematic demolition of villages in southern Lebanon, with warnings issued to residents not to return to their homes. Explosions have targeted residential buildings in Bint Jbeil, and Israeli forces have struck vehicles in the area.
Reports indicate that Israeli operations are part of what the military describes as a “cleansing plan” for the region, involving the destruction of homes as part of broader efforts in southern Lebanon.
