Israeli ground forces return to southern Lebanon
The Israel Defence Forces confirmed on Tuesday morning that ground forces had returned to southern Lebanon after Hezbollah launched drones overnight.
Air defence systems in the sky of northern Israel during an Iranian missile attack in the early hours of March 3, 2026. Photo by Anthony Hershko/TPS-IL
“The IDF is working to create an additional layer of security for residents of northern Israel. The IDF is conducting targeted strikes against Hezbollah terrorist infrastructure in order to remove threats and prevent infiltration attempts into Israeli territory,” the IDF said.
“The Hezbollah terrorist organisation chose to attack Israel on behalf of the Iranian regime, and it will bear the consequences of its actions,” the military added.
The IDF said it intercepted two drones launched from Lebanon during the night. Hezbollah claimed responsibility for the attack, saying it had targeted the Ramat David Air Force base near Haifa and an air traffic control facility on Mount Meron in the Upper Galilee.
Following Hamas’ attack on October 7, 2023, Hezbollah began daily rocket fire at northern Israeli communities, prompting thousands of residents to flee. Since November 2024, Israel has carried out numerous airstrikes against Hezbollah activities in violation of the ceasefire.
The IDF reported killing around 380 Hezbollah operatives and striking roughly 950 to 1,000 targets in 2025. These included launchers, weapons depots, military structures, and underground shafts. The IDF also accused Hezbollah of violating the ceasefire about 1,920 times during the year.
The ceasefire requires Hezbollah to withdraw its armed forces from southern Lebanon and prohibits it from operating south of the Litani River.
