Clashes Intensify in Southern Lebanese Town Ahead of Israel-Lebanon Talks

Fierce fighting rocked the strategic southern Lebanese town of Bint Jbeil on Monday, with Israeli troops encircling the area while Hezbollah militants launched rockets and artillery to push them back. -mandated Blue Line dividing the two countries about 2 miles away, have intensified over the past week after Iran and the United States agreed to a temporary truce.

Lebanon's state-run National News Agency reported that Israeli ground forces entered the town, with most exit roads cut off.

Local media reported that dozens of Hezbollah gunmen were largely encircled. The Israeli military stated that its troops surrounded Hezbollah infrastructure and began ground operations in Bint Jbeil and surrounding areas, killing over 100 Hezbollah fighters. Hezbollah did not immediately announce any fatalities among its ranks, and the Israeli military did not comment on its own casualties.

Hezbollah claimed at least five attacks on Israeli troops in the town and outskirts on Sunday using rockets, artillery, and drones. According to the group's statements, Israeli troops were positioned near a school, a hospital, and a juncture surrounding the heart of Bint Jbeil.

That day, the Israeli military said its troops attacked Hezbollah forces surveilling from the Bint Jbeil Government Hospital and found a cache of machine guns and rockets.

Broader Military Operations Israel has scaled back its attacks in Lebanon, particularly in Beirut, after a series of strikes hit residential and commercial areas in the capital, killing over 350 people.

At the same time, Israel has increased strikes and ground operations in southern Lebanon to create a security zone along the Litani River, about 20 miles from the border. Bint Jbeil is among dozens of towns and villages south of the river that Israel called to evacuate early in the war.

The latest round of fighting was sparked by Hezbollah firing rockets into northern Israel on March 2 in solidarity with Iran.

At least 2,055 people have been killed in Israeli strikes in Lebanon, according to the Health Ministry, including 252 women, 165 children, and 87 medical workers, with 6,588 wounded. The fighting has continued despite the upcoming diplomatic efforts.

On Tuesday, Lebanon and Israel's ambassadors to the United States are set to meet in Washington for an in-person meeting to begin a series of direct negotiations.

The Israeli military shared a satellite photo on Monday showing a stadium in Bint Jbeil apparently destroyed in a strike.

Incidents Involving Aid Workers A Lebanese Red Cross volunteer killed in an Israeli strike on Sunday while on a mission in the southern village of Beit Yahoun was laid to rest in Choueifat, south of Beirut.

On Monday, an Israeli strike near the entrance to Red Cross offices in the coastal city of Tyre killed a wounded person being transported and damaged several Red Cross vehicles. A person familiar with the matter said the strike targeted a man on a motorcycle transporting the wounded, though it is unclear who the individuals were; the person spoke on condition of anonymity as they were not authorized to disclose the information.

The Red Cross did not immediately comment on the incidents.

The Israeli military did not respond to requests for comment from the Associated Press. These events highlight risks to humanitarian operations in the conflict zone.

Historical Context Bint Jbeil holds strategic importance due to its elevated location overlooking the border.

Hezbollah's retaking of the town marked a major turning point in past conflicts. The current operations reflect ongoing efforts to control key areas amid escalating tensions.