A reconnaissance unit is assessing the feasibility of a potential offensive across Mount Hermon, situated between the two countries.
Lebanon—The Israeli military announced on Sunday a reconnaissance operation launched from its positions in Syria into southern Lebanon—the first of its kind amidst an ongoing offensive aimed at seizing control of the entire southern Lebanese region up to the Litani River.
According to the military statement, fighters from the Alpine Unit “have completed a specific operation to thwart attempts by terrorist organizations”—referring to Hezbollah militias—”to establish a foothold in the Lebanese border zone.”
The operation commenced from the summit of Mount Hermon—under Israeli control since the fall of now-former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in late 2024—and extended to the Shebaa Farms, another border area in southern Lebanon currently occupied by Israel but claimed by the Lebanese government.
The Alpine Unit also dedicated part of its mission to “exploring the area, gathering intelligence, and locating enemy terrorist infrastructure in the zone, utilizing the unique capabilities and tools of the mountain commando unit.”
This operation took place hours after Israeli military personnel reached the southern bank of the Litani River this Saturday—marking the first time they have done so since the start of their military offensive in southern Lebanon a week ago—according to Hezbollah; the river constitutes the declared objective of the attacks.
The Lebanese militia-party explained that Israeli forces had reached the town of Taibé, in the Marjayoun district, situated on the southern side of the river, and that the Israelis were subsequently ambushed there by militiamen. This account was reported by the Lebanese newspaper L’Orient-Le Jour at the close of a day that proved particularly bloody for the Lebanese population due to Israeli attacks, leaving a toll of at least 47 dead and over a hundred injured. For its part, Israel has confirmed the death of a soldier in the south of the country in recent hours, identified as Sergeant Moshe Katz, a native of Connecticut (United States).
