Israel Expands Military Operations in Lebanon Amid Ongoing Negotiations
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on Friday (29 May 2026) that his forces had advanced further into Lebanon. The announcement came as military delegations from Israel and Lebanon held historic security talks in Washington, D.C. Despite high-level discussions at the Pentagon, Israel continued large-scale bombing in southern Lebanon. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun emphasised the urgency of a ceasefire during a phone call with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, calling it an essential first step.
In a video released by his office while visiting troops near the border, Netanyahu confirmed the ground operation escalation. “Our troops have crossed the Litani,” he said, referring to the strategic river located about 30 kilometres north of the Israel-Lebanon border. Netanyahu added that Israeli forces are now operating in Beirut, Bekaa, and along the entire front line to directly target Hezbollah. Lebanon’s National News Agency (NNA) reported Israeli airstrikes hitting over 20 locations in the south, triggering mass evacuations after orders for eight cities.
Data from Lebanon’s Health Ministry revealed the devastating scale of the conflict. Since the war began on 2 March, more than 3,355 people have been killed. UNICEF reported 15 children killed in the past week, bringing the total to 55 since a failed ceasefire announcement in April. The ancient city of Tyre, normally a tourism hub, is now filled with displaced people sleeping in cars and tents as shelters are overwhelmed. Lebanon’s Culture Minister Ghassan Salame warned that Israeli attacks are placing cultural heritage sites at serious risk.
In Washington, Lebanon’s military delegation, led by Army Operations Director Georges Rizkallah, pushed for state monopoly on arms and expanded government authority across Lebanon. The Israeli delegation was headed by Brigadier General Amichai Levin. However, diplomatic efforts face significant internal challenges. Hezbollah has firmly opposed the talks and refused to disarm, while Iran insists any agreement to end the wider Middle East conflict must include stability in Lebanon. As of this report, Israeli tanks have reportedly reached the outskirts of Debbine, situated between the town and majority-Christian Marjayoun, indicating ongoing ground expansion despite ongoing negotiations. (AFP/I-2)