Israel sends troops to Lebanon, Hezbollah declares 'open war'

The Israeli military said its forces had taken up new positions at several strategic points near the border as part of a 'forward defence' posture.

Israel on Tuesday sent additional troops into southern Lebanon and warned residents of more than 80 villages to evacuate, as Hezbollah declared it was ready for an 'open war' amid escalating regional hostilities.

The Israeli military said its forces had taken up new positions at several strategic points near the border as part of a 'forward defence' posture.

The army's Arabic spokesperson, Avichay Adraee, urged civilians in southern Lebanon not to return to evacuated areas until further notice.

Lebanon's state-run National News Agency reported that the Lebanese army was evacuating some border positions and redeploying troops.

A Lebanese military official confirmed that Israeli troops had moved into multiple areas, prompting the army to reposition.

Israeli strikes in Lebanon kill 40

The escalation followed Hezbollah rocket and drone attacks on northern Israel.

Israel responded with a wave of airstrikes that killed 40 people in Lebanon, according to a revised toll issued by the Lebanese health ministry.

The ministry said 246 people were wounded and tens of thousands displaced.

The Israel Defense Forces said the deployment aims to bolster security for northern Israeli residents.

Israeli forces have continued to occupy five positions in southern Lebanon since a US-brokered ceasefire in November 2024.

The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) said its peacekeepers observed Israeli troops making incursions across the border before returning to Israeli territory.

A senior Hezbollah official said the group’s patience had run out after months of Israeli strikes despite the ceasefire.

"If it is an open war, then so be it," he said.

Lebanon's health ministry also said that 397 people had been killed in Israeli strikes since the November ceasefire and before Hezbollah's latest attacks.