Israeli troops encircled the strategically important southern Lebanese town of Bint Jbeil on April 13, claiming to have killed over 100 Hezbollah fighters there in recent days and expecting full operational control within days. The move comes amid an ongoing ground offensive launched on March 16, as Israel seeks to establish a buffer zone in southern Lebanon to neutralize Hezbollah threats.

The conflict escalated on March 2 when Hezbollah fired rockets into northern Israel following Israeli and U.S. strikes against Iran, Hezbollah's primary backer. Israel responded with airstrikes across Lebanon, including Beirut, and issued evacuation orders covering about 1,470 square kilometers, or 14 percent of the country's territory, according to the Norwegian Refugee Council. These orders affected southern Lebanon and parts of Beirut, displacing over 1.2 million people, roughly one-fifth of Lebanon's population.

Ground operations involved five Israeli divisions, including the 36th, 91st, 146th, 162nd, and 98th, which seized areas near the border such as Kfar Kila, Houla, and Khiam. Forces advanced past Naqoura and toward Bayada, destroying Litani River bridges to isolate Hezbollah supply lines. Reports indicate Israel now controls 20 to 24 percent of Lebanese territory, surpassing Russia's hold on Ukraine proportionally after initial advances to the Litani River area.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced on March 24 that forces would occupy southern Lebanon up to the Litani River to create a security zone, demolishing border villages until the Hezbollah threat ends. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu echoed calls for a buffer zone, while Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich advocated annexing territory up to the river. The military has targeted Hezbollah infrastructure, commanders, and Iranian forces, with strikes continuing despite a U.S.-Iran ceasefire on April 7 that Hezbollah said paused its attacks but did not cover Lebanon.

Casualties in Lebanon exceed 2,020 killed and 6,436 injured as of April 11, including militants, civilians, journalists, and paramedics. Israel reports over 1,400 Hezbollah fighters killed, with 13 soldiers and two civilians dead on its side. Three UNIFIL peacekeepers have also died.

Lebanese officials condemned the operations as an intended occupation, with Prime Minister Nawaf Salam expelling Iran's ambassador and postponing elections to 2028. Hezbollah vowed resistance, while diplomatic talks involving ambassadors occurred in Washington on April 9, though no ceasefire was reached. The United Nations has warned of a humanitarian crisis, with hospitals overwhelmed and aid delivery hampered by destroyed infrastructure.

As fighting persists in Bint Jbeil and surrounding areas, Israel maintains the operations protect its northern border from Hezbollah rockets that displaced tens of thousands of its citizens since 2023.