Israel’s military said on Wednesday that regular infantry and armored units were joining its ground operations in Lebanon, stepping up pressure on Hezbollah, which reported clashes with infiltrating Israeli soldiers.
Israel's addition of infantry and armored troops from the 36th Division, including the Golani Brigade, the 188th Armored Brigade and 6th Infantry Brigade, suggests that the operation may move beyond limited commando raids.
The military has said its incursion is largely aimed at destroying tunnels and other infrastructure on the border and there were no plans for a wider operation targeting Beirut or major cities in southern Lebanon.
It issued new evacuation orders for around two dozen towns along the southern border.
Despite calls for a ceasefire from the United Nations, the United States and the European Union, fighting between Israel and Hezbollah has continued.
Hezbollah said on Wednesday it was clashing with Israeli troops in the border town of Maroun el-Ras after it had pushed back forces near Adaisseh, another border town. The group said it had also fired rockets at military posts inside Israel.
The villages are in a UN-declared buffer zone established after Israel and Hezbollah fought their last war in 2006.
Hezbollah media chief Mohammad Afif said the battles were only "the first round" and the group had enough fighters, weapons and ammunition to push back Israel.
