Israel considers expanding ground operations to Zahrani River amid internal military dispute

Report by Amal Shehadeh, English adaptation by Yasmine Jaroudi

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz is pushing to expand ground operations in Lebanon toward the Zahrani River, with plans reportedly under review to evacuate civilians from areas stretching between the Litani River and the Zahrani.

The proposal includes warnings that any movement in the area could be targeted both from the air and on the ground, according to an Israeli military official.

The plan has deepened divisions within Israel's leadership, particularly with Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, who has put forward a revised strategy limiting the objective to disarming Hezbollah south of the Litani River rather than across all of Lebanon.

On the ground, the Israeli army said its troops have reached areas not previously entered during the "Northern Arrows" operation, including parts of Marjayoun District, and have begun consolidating operational control along the Litani River.

In parallel, the army chief approved the use of what Israeli sources described as "robotic detonation" technology, remotely operated systems carrying large quantities of explosives designed to strike fortified positions and locations believed to house Hezbollah commanders.

The technology has reportedly been deployed in Nabatieh, an area Israel describes as a key economic hub in southern Lebanon.

The developments come as the Israeli military acknowledged a failed operation carried out last week by its paratroopers brigade in Lebanon, which resulted in casualties among soldiers who were forced to withdraw, leaving behind equipment, including bulldozers.

According to the army's account, Hezbollah fighters had detected the troops, many of whom belonged to an elite engineering unit, before engaging them.