Netanyahu orders expansion of Israel’s military offensive in southern Lebanon

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks during a press conference in Jerusalem, on Thursday, March 19, 2026. Ronen Zvulun, Pool Photo via AP Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered this Sunday (29) the expansion of Israel’s military offensive in southern Lebanon. He said he had instructed the armed forces to further expand the so-called “security zone” and promised to “fundamentally change the security situation in the region.” “I have just instructed the further expansion of the current security zone. We are determined to fundamentally change the situation in the north,” Netanyahu said in a video statement from Northern Command. He said the decision seeks to reinforce Israel’s security on its northern border, amid tensions in the region, where clashes between the two sides increase the risk of a broader escalation of the conflict. 🗒️ Do you have any reporting suggestions? Send to g1 Israel’s invasion of Lebanon Israel has been carrying out a ground operation in southern Lebanon since the beginning of March against the terrorist group Hezbollah. On the 22nd of this month, Israeli troops began demolishing bridges over the Litani River, which connects a 30 km strip in southern Lebanon to the rest of the country. Two days later, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said he would establish a “security zone” in southern Lebanon and that the Israeli military would control the remaining bridges in the region. “All five bridges over the Litani River that Hezbollah used to transport terrorists and weapons have been destroyed, and the Israel Defense Forces will control the remaining routes in the security zone to the Litani,” Katz said at the time. The Lebanese government, in turn, accused Israel of wanting to create a “buffer zone” in the south of the country, a military term used to describe a strip of territory created to separate hostile forces and reduce the chance of direct confrontation between them. It is used as a containment area between two combat fronts. The Litani River, which crosses Lebanon almost entirely from east to west, is important in the war between Israel and Hezbollah because a 2006 UN resolution, created to establish another ceasefire, determined that the terrorist group should withdraw from areas in southern Lebanon and used the river as a reference point. Israel accuses Hezbollah of not complying with the resolution. Iran says it is preparing for US attack Iran said on Sunday (29) it was ready to react to a possible ground attack from the United States and accused Washington of preparing a land offensive while, at the same time, talking about negotiations. The declaration comes amid diplomatic efforts by countries in the region, which are meeting in Pakistan to try to end the conflict. The president of the Iranian Parliament, Mohammad Baqer Ghalibaf, said that the US is sending signals of dialogue, but is, behind the scenes, planning to send troops. According to him, Iran is prepared to react if this happens. “As long as the Americans demand Iran’s surrender, our response is that we will never accept humiliation,” he said. “Our attacks continue. Our missiles are positioned. Our determination and faith have increased,” he added. The war began on February 28, with US and Israeli attacks on Iran, and quickly spread across the Middle East. On Saturday (28), Yemen’s Houthis, allies of Tehran, carried out their first attacks against Israel since the start of the conflict. These attacks increase the risk to global maritime transport, already affected by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz — a route through which around a fifth of the oil and natural gas consumed in the world passes. Foreign ministers from Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Egypt met this Sunday (29), in Islamabad, to discuss ways to end the war, which has lasted a month and left thousands dead. Early discussions focused on proposals to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, responsible for about a fifth of global oil and natural gas transport. Among the proposals discussed are the creation of a tariff system inspired by the Suez Canal model and the formation of an international consortium to manage the flow of oil through the route. 1 month of war in Iran: remember the times Trump ‘claimed victory’ US military movements The United States sent thousands of marines to the Middle East. The first of two contingents arrived on Friday (27) aboard an amphibious assault ship, according to the US Army. ➡️An amphibious assault ship is a type of military ship designed to take troops, vehicles and aircraft to shore and launch an invasion from the sea. The Washington Post newspaper reported that the Pentagon is preparing for ground operations in Iran, which could include actions by special forces and conventional troops. There is still no confirmation that President Donald Trump will authorize this plan. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the United States can achieve its goals without troops on the ground, but said sending forces expands the government’s options. Conflict between the United States and Israel against Iran completes a month Negotiation attempts Pakistan is trying to act as a mediator between Washington and Tehran and will host negotiations this Sunday. On Saturday, the Pakistani Prime Minister held talks with the Iranian President. The Pakistani foreign minister also held meetings with representatives from Türkiye and Egypt ahead of the broader talks. In addition, there are ongoing military contacts. Pakistan’s Army chief is in dialogue with US Vice President JD Vance, according to sources. Pakistan has been consolidating itself as an important diplomatic channel in the conflict, as it maintains close relations with both Tehran and Washington. Turkey is also working, together with other countries, on a proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz — a measure considered essential to reduce tensions. The United States recently presented a 15-point ceasefire plan that included reopening the strait and limits on Iran’s nuclear program. Iran rejected the proposal and presented its own conditions. Attacks continue While negotiations are progressing slowly, fighting remains intense. This Sunday (29), Adama, a manufacturer of agricultural inputs and crop protection products, reported that its Makhteshim unit, in southern Israel, was hit by an Iranian missile or by debris from a missile, but that there were no reports of injuries. The company, which is part of the Chinese group Syngenta Group, stated that it is not yet possible to know the extent of the damage. Also this Sunday, the Kuwaiti Army, a US ally, reported that 10 soldiers were injured after a missile attack on a military base. The site suffered material damage after being targeted by 14 ballistic missiles and 12 drones in the last 24 hours. The University in Isfahan, Iran, claims to have been hit by a joint attack by the US and Israel. In Tehran, a building that houses a Qatari TV station was also hit. In southern Iran, five people died after an attack on a pier in the city of Bandar-e-Khamir, according to state media. On Saturday (28), Israel stated that it had struck facilities linked to weapons production in Tehran, including warehouses and manufacturing centers. In Lebanon, Israel also carried out attacks against targets linked to Hezbollah and killed three journalists, as well as a Lebanese soldier. Risks to navigation and the economy Iran continues attacks against Israel and Gulf countries. In Iraq, air defenses intercepted drones near local authorities. With the Strait of Hormuz closed, concern is growing about other maritime routes, such as the Red Sea, following the Houthis’ entry into the conflict. Experts warn that an escalation in these attacks could put further pressure on the global economy. President Donald Trump threatened to target Iranian energy facilities if the country does not reopen the strait, but gave an additional 10 days.

Source link