Jerusalem, March 17: The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced on Monday that it has initiated a limited and targeted ground operation against key Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed the operation, stating its aim is to eliminate threats and ensure the safety of residents in the northern regions.
Security sources and eyewitnesses reported heavy clashes between Israeli soldiers and Hezbollah fighters in various areas along the border. Israeli forces are advancing towards the Blue Line, the UN-designated Israel-Lebanon border, establishing positions in towns and strategic locations within the border area.
This operation is part of the ongoing Middle Eastern conflict, which began on February 28 with a U.S.-Israeli air campaign against Iran. Hezbollah, which controls significant parts of southern Lebanon and is a key ally of Iran, has been regularly launching rocket and drone attacks on Israeli forces since March 2. This escalation followed the death of Iran’s former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in a U.S.-Israeli airstrike just two days prior.
Hezbollah fighters have fortified their positions, pushing Israeli troops back, leading to the most intense border clashes since the fragile peace agreement that ended a year-long war in late 2024. That ceasefire had prevented a broader conflict that displaced millions and caused extensive damage to infrastructure on both sides.
Meanwhile, the Israeli military reported on Monday that it destroyed an aircraft used by Iran’s top leadership team at Tehran’s Mehrabad Airport. This attack is claimed to disrupt coordination between Tehran and its regional allies. Israel also stated that it targeted infrastructure in several Iranian cities.
The IDF noted that this aircraft served senior political and military officials for both domestic and international travel. The military asserted that destroying the aircraft would hinder communication among Iran’s leadership and allied groups, slowing Tehran’s military readiness.
The aircraft was identified as an Airbus A340, previously used to transport senior leaders to diplomatic meetings abroad, including President Masoud Pajeshkian and, in the past, Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Iranian officials have not yet confirmed the attack.
Arpit Soni has had a passion for journalism since the beginning. Now he has turned this hobby into his profession. Arpit, who is a resident of Udaipur, enjoys editing and writing news related to journalism. He has worked as a Senior Content Producer in several important roles at Bhaskar, Patrika, Pratahkal, Punjab Kesari, and Times. Arpit completed his schooling in Udaipur and Jaipur. He has been working in the media industry for more than 10 years, and his journey is still continuing. ✍️📚
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