Beirut: The Israeli army has intensified its bombing and shelling operations targeting homes and infrastructure in southern Lebanon, escalating the ongoing conflict in the region.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the Israeli military launched a series of airstrikes and artillery shelling on several towns and areas on Tuesday. Israeli warplanes reportedly struck the outskirts of Wadi al-Hujair, while a drone targeted a car near the university district in Nabatieh, injuring two individuals. An additional airstrike targeted a Civil Defense vehicle without causing any injuries.

The source indicated that the Israeli army expanded its operations, shelling multiple regions with heavy artillery, including Wadi al-Hujair near Qantara, Ali al-Taher, and several other southern Lebanese towns. Furthermore, Israeli forces utilized heavy engineering equipment to bulldoze land, homes, and roads in Rabaa Thalathin, and they burned and demolished houses and infrastructure in various other towns.

The report also mentioned that Israeli drones conducted operations, dropping stun grenades and explosives in several southern areas, exacerbating tensions between the two nations. These events unfold amidst the backdrop of a “framework agreement” signed between Lebanon and Israel, which involves the disarmament of Hezbollah and the reassertion of Lebanese army authority in the south.

The conflict sees its roots in a recent missile and drone attack by Lebanese Hezbollah on March 2nd, which was a response to perceived Israeli violations and broader geopolitical tensions involving the US and Iran. This prompted Israeli retaliatory airstrikes and a ground incursion, marking a significant escalation in military operations against Hezbollah.