Israeli ground forces have shifted focus in southern Lebanon, advancing toward the strategic town of Khiam in a bid to reach the area near the Metula settlement, which overlooks large stretches of Israeli territory.
The Israeli military began a “testing” operation, deploying vehicles on two fronts: one near Metula and another through the Wazzani Plains, including Ghajar and Serdeh Hill. These open areas, with limited Hezbollah presence, allow for quick armored advances, military experts said.
The battle for Khiam is set to be a key focus for Israeli forces in southern Lebanon. It’s the first town they plan to enter after a year of air and artillery strikes, and it carries symbolic weight as home to Khiam Prison, a site run by Israel’s allied South Lebanon Army during its occupation. Rights groups have long condemned reports of abuse there.
Strategically, Khiam’s elevated position overlooks the Galilee and spans toward Ghajar and Wazzani, making it accessible from the east, west, and south.
Experts say Israeli forces are likely to avoid a western approach, which would expose them to fire, and instead advance from the south and east.
Lebanon’s National News Agency reported that a “large number” of Israeli tanks reached Hamamsa Hill on Khiam’s eastern outskirts, the furthest advance in southern Lebanon since Israeli operations began in late September.
Israeli tanks moved from Metula on Monday, pushing toward Hamamsa Hill, but faced strong resistance.
The lead tanks were hit by anti-tank missiles, and advancing forces encountered heavy artillery and rocket fire, forcing a retreat. Israeli forces responded with intense air and artillery strikes on the town.
Hezbollah later claimed it targeted Israeli soldiers near Khiam, located about six kilometers from the Israeli border, with a barrage of rockets.
On Tuesday morning, Israeli forces resumed attempts to advance from the eastern and southern fronts near Khiam, sparking clashes on both sides of the town, local media reported.
Hezbollah announced it had targeted Israeli soldiers on Khiam’s outskirts with rockets and artillery, claiming its fighters struck a Merkava tank with an anti-tank missile, causing it to catch fire and inflicting casualties.
The Iran-backed group has used a variety of weapons to counter the Israeli advance, including guided missiles, artillery, and drones. It also reported striking Israeli supply lines and said it downed a Hermes 900 drone near Marjayoun, where the fighting continues.
Hezbollah reported last week that it has been pushing back Israeli attempts to infiltrate border villages, with some clashes happening at close range.
Meanwhile, the Israeli military has shared videos showing the demolition of homes in towns it has entered, with explosions captured in Mais al-Jabal, Aitaroun, Yarine, and Dhahira.
Despite the military pressure, Hezbollah has continued launching rockets. A person in Tarshiha was killed by a rocket fired from Lebanon, triggering sirens across multiple Galilee towns.
The Israeli military confirmed that around 50 rockets were fired from Lebanon in this latest attack.
