Israel Escalates Southern Lebanon Operations, Warns of New Combat Phase

Southern Lebanon is experiencing escalating military activity, including airstrikes, artillery shelling, and explosions. The Israeli military has threatened to respond with "significant force" to any attacks originating from Lebanon and is preparing for a "new phase" of fighting in the coming days. This escalation occurs as Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam is set to visit Washington to meet with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Monday. Their discussions will cover border developments, negotiation progress, and future international support for the Lebanese army.

Recent military operations have targeted areas such as Khiam, Kfar Tibnit, Mansouri, and the vicinity of Kfar Shuba, along with other locations in southern Lebanon. Israeli aircraft dropped flares over Mansouri, and fighter jets conducted low-altitude flights over several southern regions amidst ongoing shelling and airstrikes.

The Israeli military announced it had struck Hezbollah facilities, stating the attacks were in response to a drone bombing an Israeli force in the "security zone." The targeted sites reportedly included locations used for launching explosive drones and anti-tank missiles.

Israeli Channel 12 reported the military's readiness to enter a "new phase" of combat in southern Lebanon, though details remain unspecified. Simultaneously, the spokesperson for Kiryat Shmona municipality indicated that the Israeli military would launch a wave of airstrikes into Lebanon within hours, warning residents of potential explosions.

These developments coincide with the approach of Israeli elections on October 27th and ongoing difficulties in negotiations between Lebanon and Israel due to the intensified border operations. Lebanon, meanwhile, continues its diplomatic efforts. Prime Minister Salam emphasized at the UN that the Lebanese state is the sole representative of Lebanon and rejects its transformation into a "theater of conflict or bargaining chip." He stated Lebanon entered negotiations to reclaim its territory and sovereignty, warning of a potential vacuum in the south as the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL)'s mandate nears its end. Salam's Washington meetings will also address UNIFIL's future, with its mandate expiring on December 31, 2026, and an organized withdrawal planned for 2027.