Israeli Forces Capture, Then Withdraw from Strategic Hill in Southern Lebanon

BEIRUT — Israeli ground forces reached their deepest point in southern Lebanon since the start of their invasion six weeks ago, capturing a strategic hill in the village of Chamaa, about 5 kilometers from the Israeli border. However, after intense clashes with Hezbollah militants, Israeli troops were forced to pull back early Saturday, according to Lebanese state media.

The National News Agency reported that while Israeli forces briefly held the hill, they were later pushed back. The report also claimed that Israeli forces detonated the Shrine of Shimon the Prophet in Chamaa, along with several homes, before their withdrawal, although this claim has not been independently verified.

In response, Israel’s military confirmed that its forces are conducting “limited, localized, and targeted operational activities” in southern Lebanon. However, they did not immediately address the Lebanese media reports regarding the shrine or the homes.