Israeli forces have encircled the southern Lebanese town of Bint Jbeil in a bid to eliminate Hezbollah operatives and regain control over the area, Israeli media reported Thursday. Estimates suggest that dozens, possibly hundreds, of Hezbollah fighters—including members of the elite Radwan Force—are stationed in the town, long considered a key stronghold for the Iran-backed militia.

According to Maariv, the Israeli army’s 98th Commando Division completed the encirclement of Bint Jbeil, located in the central sector of southern Lebanon, early Thursday morning. Israeli military officials estimate that Hezbollah has reasserted control over the town and multiple neighborhoods over the past year and a half. Meanwhile, other sources reported that Israeli forces have advanced into the center of Bint Jbeil, the largest town south of the Litani River.

Meanwhile, the outlawed Hezbollah militia said its fighters have engaged in close-quarter combat with Israeli armored units attempting to push toward the town’s central market. The group said it employed light arms, RPG fire, and rocket barrages against Israeli troops in Bint Jbeil and surrounding areas.

Israeli Foreign Minister reported that Hezbollah launched roughly 6,500 rockets, missiles, and drones toward Israel over the past month. 

“We will monitor the buffer zone with Lebanon using ground forces that carry out raids without the need for a permanent military presence,” an Israeli military official told Reuters.

The official also emphasized that the Litani River will not serve as a new border between Israel and Lebanon.

Moreover, airstrikes continue across southern Lebanon, countering Iranian claims that a recent ceasefire agreement applies to the country. In the afternoon, Israeli air raids struck multiple towns, including Jwaya, Briquea, Sir El Gharbiyeh, Shouqin, Tebnine, and Al-Bazouriyeh, resulting in injuries in several locations. Warplanes also targeted the Bank Audi building in Bint Jbeil. Drone strikes conducted five consecutive attacks near Sheikh Ragheb Harb Hospital in Tall Nabatiyeh, while artillery fire hit Al-Maaliyah and Al-Shaaitiyeh. Additional airstrikes targeted Al-Mansouri in the Tyre district and a building near the Kharayeb bridge. In Borgeqlawi, an airstrike hit the Civil Defense and Health Authority center, causing casualties.

Separately, the Lebanese Army announced that a specialized unit had fully reopened the Qasmiyeh-Tyre sea bridge following an Israeli strike that had targeted it on Wednesday. The operation was conducted in coordination with civil defense teams and local associations, and a military unit has been stationed around the bridge.