The Lebanese Hezbollah movement has engaged in combat with the IDF infantry for the first time since the start of the Israeli ground operation, RIA Novosti reports, citing a statement from the organization. The battle took place in southern Lebanon near the town of Odayse.
In turn, the Israeli army reported fierce fighting in southern Lebanon. Local residents are urged to refrain from traveling south of the Litani River.
The Israeli military launched a ground operation in Lebanon on Monday, September 30. The invasion was carried out in three areas, with the IDF calling the areas of the towns of Metula, Misgav Am and Kfar Giladi a closed military zone.
The armored vehicles were supported by artillery. Local peacekeepers and Lebanese army forces began to withdraw from their positions. The Lebanese army retreated five kilometers after heavy shelling. Tel Aviv’s goal is believed to be to create a twenty-kilometer buffer zone.