Israel expands offensive in south Lebanon

Israel ramped up its ground offensive against Hezbollah along Lebanon's southern coast on Tuesday, after deploying more troops in the country and urging civilians living near the Mediterranean to evacuate.

The military's announcement followed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's pledge to keep fighting a "sacred war" until Israel's enemies—Hezbollah and Hamas—are defeated. Both groups have vowed no let-up in the multi-front conflict.

Israel expanded its military operations in Lebanon last month after Hezbollah opened a front in support of its Palestinian ally Hamas, following the deadliest attack in its history on October 7, 2023.

While battling Hamas in Gaza, Israel has also focused on securing its northern border to allow tens of thousands of displaced Israelis to return home.

Israel launched a wave of strikes against Hezbollah strongholds in Lebanon on Sept. 23, leaving at least 1,110 people dead since then and forcing more than a million people to flee their homes.

Israeli operations have mostly focused on areas in the south and east of Lebanon, traditional strongholds of Hezbollah, as well as the Iran-backed group's main bastion in south Beirut.

While areas along the southern coast have not been spared, Israel's latest evacuation warning to residents suggested a further expansion of the conflict northwards along the coastline.

On its Telegram channel, the Israeli military said its 146th Division began "limited, localized, targeted operational activities" against Hezbollah targets and infrastructure in southwestern Lebanon.

The military had on Monday said it would expand its operations against Hezbollah to south Lebanon's coastal area and warned people to stay away from the shore.

The army "will...