Israel intensifies operations in southern Lebanon ahead of planned Washington talks

Report by Amal Shehadeh, English adaptation by Mariella Succar

Two days before the preliminary date set for a new round of direct negotiations between Lebanon and Israel in Washington, Israel has escalated its military campaign, seeking to impose negotiations under fire, particularly in southern Lebanon.

In the south, the Israeli army has reinforced its forces, which are surrounding the city of Bint Jbeil, and has advanced into some of its neighborhoods. The objective appears to be achieving what it views as a symbolic victory in a city that Hezbollah considers a “city of liberation,” where its former leader Hassan Nasrallah once declared that Israel is “weaker than a spider’s web.”

On the ground, five Israeli divisions have entered southern Lebanon to deepen ground operations. According to the Israeli military, these divisions will establish what it described as “defensive zones,” and have been deployed as follows:

* The 146th Division is positioned in Ras al-Biyada, about four kilometers from the Israeli border.
* The 162nd Division is deployed in the hills of Beit Lif.
* The 98th Division is surrounding Bint Jbeil, supported by paratrooper units stationed on the city's outskirts.
* The 36th Division is deployed in Taybeh.
* The 91st Division continues operations on high ground overlooking northern Israeli settlements.

Amid this military buildup, Israeli officials have warned that the Washington talks scheduled for Tuesday could fail, particularly in light of reports suggesting that the objective of disarming Hezbollah is no longer considered realistic.

Doubts over the upcoming Lebanese-Israeli negotiations have been further reinforced by Israel’s preconditions, including conducting talks under continued military pressure. 

This stance contradicts the official Lebanese position, which insists on a ceasefire, as well as maintaining Israel’s freedom of aerial operations in Lebanon under the November 2024 ceasefire agreement, pending the achievement of the goal of disarming Hezbollah.