Israel announced this Tuesday (3) that it will occupy new strategic positions in southern Lebanon, expanding its military presence in the region. The decision comes after the start, the day before, of a bombing campaign against Hezbollah and a few days after the United States and Israel began an offensive against Iran, deepening the tension in the Middle East.
In an official statement, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz reported that the measure was authorized together with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. According to him, the advance aims to prevent attacks against Israeli locations close to the border.
“Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and I authorized the Israeli Army to advance and take control of additional strategic positions in Lebanon with the aim of preventing attacks on Israeli border locations,” Katz said.
Expanded military presence
Shortly before the announcement, the Israeli Armed Forces reported that soldiers were already positioned in “several points” in southern Lebanon. The movement expands the military presence in neighboring territory, where the Israeli Army already had troops in five areas considered strategic since the ceasefire signed in November 2024.
The Army’s international spokesman, Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani, denied that the action represented a large-scale ground invasion. According to him, this is a tactical measure to reinforce security in the border area.
“This is not a ground operation. It is a tactical measure designed to guarantee the safety of our people,” he declared. He added that the aim is to defend Israeli civilians and prevent Hezbollah attacks.
Regional context
The decision takes place amidst a scenario of strong regional instability. On Saturday (28), the United States and Israel began a military offensive against Iran. The operation resulted in the death of Iranian officials, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Tehran responded with bombings against Israeli targets and American installations in the Gulf, increasing the risk of a major military escalation in the Middle East.
The expansion of the Israeli presence in southern Lebanon adds yet another focus of tension to the conflict, directly involving Israeli forces, Hezbollah and, indirectly, Iran, the Lebanese group’s main regional ally. The international community is following developments given the potential for an increase in hostilities.
Source: https://www.ocafezinho.com/2026/03/03/israel-aproveita-ataques-contra-o-ira-para-anunciar-invasao-ao-sul-do-libano/
