Soldiers have been sent across the border to several locations in southern Lebanon, the Israeli military announced, claiming that it is a "defensive measure."
"We have stationed soldiers in more locations in the border area to defend our civilians and prevent Hezbollah from attacking them," said spokesman Nadav Shoshani.
Israel is also ordering residents of about 80 communities in southern Israel to evacuate, AP reports. Tens of thousands of people have already fled, Lebanese authorities said on Monday.
"Hezbollah made a very big mistake when they attacked us. We have already reacted forcefully, and we will respond with even greater force," Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu said in a statement.
Own buffer zone
During the conflict with Iran-backed Hezbollah in recent years, Israel has had ground forces in southern Lebanon, but with the ceasefire that was concluded in November 2024, their presence has been limited.
But both sides have accused each other of violating the ceasefire since it was signed, and Israel has carried out attacks in Lebanon on an almost daily basis.
Israel now says it will step in and establish its own buffer zone in the neighboring country, instead of the one that, according to the agreement, would take shape under international review.
At least 40 people have been killed and more than 200 injured in Lebanon since Monday, according to Lebanese authorities. A previously reported death toll of more than 50 was downgraded on Tuesday, citing a technical error.
Attacking bases in Israel
The attacks began on Monday, when Hezbollah fired rockets at Israel in support of its ally, Iran. Israel responded with heavy bombing, particularly against the southern parts of the capital Beirut, where the Shiite movement has a stronghold.
According to the Israeli army, the bombings are targeting, among other things, military command centers, weapons depots and leaders within Hezbollah.
Now patience is running out, Hezbollah warned on Tuesday and, according to AFP, claimed to be ready for an "open war" against Israel. On Tuesday, the Shiite militia claims to have attacked three Israeli bases with drones and rockets. It is unclear whether Hezbollah has achieved its goals.
At the same time, the Lebanese army announced that it is moving soldiers from several posts on the border with Israel, reports AP. The UN mission UNIFIL has begun a limited evacuation.
The long-standing conflict between Israel and the Shiite militia Hezbollah in Lebanon has flared up in recent years in connection with the Gaza War, which broke out in October 2023.
According to the ceasefire signed in the fall of 2024, both sides would withdraw from a designated buffer zone in southern Lebanon, where peace would initially be maintained with the help of UN forces. Lebanon's regular but relatively weak army would then step in and establish control.
However, there have been regular skirmishes and Israel and Hezbollah have accused each other of not fulfilling their commitments.
