Israeli ground forces have reportedly reached their deepest position in Lebanon since the commencement of their operation six weeks ago. This development was followed by a withdrawal early Saturday after intense confrontations with Hezbollah militants, as indicated by Lebanese state media.

According to the state-run National News Agency, Israeli troops successfully captured a strategic hill in the southern Lebanese village of Chamaa, located approximately 5 kilometres (3 miles) from the Israeli border. However, it was subsequently reported that these forces were forced to retreat from the hill.

The reports also stated that Israeli troops detonated the Shrine of Shimon the Prophet in Chamaa, along with several residential structures, before their withdrawal; however, this claim has not yet been independently verified. Israel's military issued a statement affirming that its forces will "continue their limited, localized, and targeted operational activity in southern Lebanon." There has been no immediate response from the military regarding the reports from Lebanese media.

This ground operation coincided with intensified aerial bombardments by Israeli warplanes targeting southern suburbs of Beirut and other regions in southern Lebanon, including the port city of Tyre.

(News source: AP)