Israel Strikes Southern Lebanon Amid Hezbollah Conflict

The Israel Defense Forces conducted a series of ground advances, artillery strikes, and airstrikes across southern Lebanon between September 18 and 19, 2026. On September 18, Israeli forces advanced toward Hadatha and shelled al-Mansouri and Majdal Zoun, while a standoff occurred in Deir Mimas when Israeli tanks encountered a Lebanese army observation post. Lebanese state media also reported that Israeli forces set fire to a public hospital in Meiss el-Jabal.

On September 19, Israeli warplanes targeted the Old Square neighborhood in Nabatieh al-Fawqa, including a strike on an ambulance team. Simultaneously, two Israeli soldiers were lightly wounded by a Hezbollah explosive device in the security zone. The IDF responded by striking Hezbollah infrastructure and destroying an underground network under the Ali al-Taher Ridge. The IDF stated it will continue to operate with determination against Hezbollah's attempts to harm its soldiers.

These escalations persist despite a June 26 US-brokered framework agreement intended to facilitate a gradual Israeli withdrawal and the deployment of the Lebanese army. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has affirmed the government's determination to disarm Hezbollah to avoid a costly war. Since the conflict began on March 2, Lebanese authorities report that Israeli attacks have killed nearly 4,400 people, injured over 12,300, and displaced more than 1 million people.