Israeli forces cross ‘yellow line’ in south Lebanon town as attacks intensify

Israeli forces crossed into the "yellow line" buffer zone in south Lebanon's town of Haris on Monday, destroying a road link and entering the town, according to local residents. The push occurred amidst a series of attacks across southern Lebanon, where homes and agricultural land were set ablaze in Khiam, and buildings were destroyed in Taybeh, Mays Al Jebel, and Yohmor.

The residents of Haris, located just outside the Israeli-occupied buffer zone, were alarmed by the Israeli tanks and bulldozers entering their village, which they believed was a demarcated area meant to prevent any crossing. Videos circulated on social media showing armored Israeli bulldozers demolishing a paved road, effectively cutting off a populated neighborhood from the rest of the village.

Israel has not permanently remained in south Lebanon, occupying only a few towns, but has effectively expanded its control by shelling and raiding several areas within Lebanon. Lebanon's National News Agency reported that Israeli forces set fire to homes, buildings, and agricultural land in Khiam, reducing large parts of the town to rubble following the recent conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.

Since the ceasefire in June, Israeli demolitions have continued in Khiam. A major bombing operation also took place in Taybeh, while Mays Al Jebel and Yohmor experienced the demolition of buildings by Israeli troops. Fighting raged near the strategically significant Ali Al Taher ridge line, with Israeli air strikes and artillery shelling occurring in the vicinity.

Two men were killed in an Israeli air strike in Kfar Roummane on Sunday, and the Israeli military is preparing a full offensive on Ali Al Taher, a 600-meter-high hill believed to house an important Hezbollah base and tunnel network.