IDF pushes into Bint Jbeil, Hezbollah's "last stronghold," as talks with Lebanon near

Against the backdrop of negotiations expected to open between Israel and Lebanon this Tuesday, the IDF is increasing military pressure on the northern front. Over the past two days, ground forces began entering the town of Bint Jbeil in southern Lebanon. The IDF describes it as both an operational and symbolic objective, calling it the "last stronghold" in Hezbollah’s line of houses that threatens Israel’s northern communities.

The IDF Spokesperson updated today (Sunday) that in recent days IDF forces identified several militants observing them from a hospital window in the town of Bint Jbeil in southern Lebanon. According to the statement, the militants opened fire at the forces and were eliminated shortly thereafter. It was further stated that during the activity in the hospital area, roughly 20 additional militants were killed.

The IDF added that during a raid carried out by the forces in the compound, a cache of weapons was found within the hospital grounds. The army stressed that the findings point to Hezbollah’s ongoing use of the facility and its immediate surroundings for military purposes.

(Photo: IDF Spokesperson's Unit)

According to the IDF Spokesperson, "Hezbollah used the hospital compound and its immediate surroundings systematically and continuously for the terrorist organization’s military needs, in a severe violation of international law." It was also stated: "Hezbollah systematically uses medical facilities and ambulances for military purposes, thereby violating international law and endangering the civilian population."

The IDF’s entry into the town came after several days of encirclement, during which the forces completed the blocking of the main routes leading into the area. The IDF clarified that the move was intended to prevent the flow of reinforcements and supplies to Hezbollah militants and to thwart their attempts to escape.

According to IDF assessments, dozens of militants are hiding inside Bint Jbeil after retreating to the area in an attempt to find cover. The IDF estimates that a few more days will be required to complete the capture and clearing of the town, and it is preparing for the possibility of resistance from militants who remain there. In recent weeks, the area has served as a source of extensive rocket fire toward Israeli territory.

Over the past 24 hours, forces deployed observation posts around the town and operated aircraft for intelligence collection and strikes. According to reports coming from Lebanon, heavy strikes are being carried out against Hezbollah targets in parallel with the ground pressure.

Officers in Northern Command noted that the organization established a broad military infrastructure inside Bint Jbeil that includes fighting positions, command posts, ammunition depots, and underground systems where weapons and rocket launchers are hidden. According to them, the complex terrain requires combined pressure from the air and from the ground.

Beyond its operational importance, Bint Jbeil also carries symbolic weight for Hezbollah. In the town, the organization’s Secretary-General, Hassan Nasrallah, who was eliminated, delivered the "Spider Webs" speech, and it is identified with past battles, including the battle in which Roi Klein, *hy\"d*, fell.

The move in Bint Jbeil is part of the expansion of ground activity in southern Lebanon, in which five divisions—97, 36, 146, 162, and 91—are operating to establish a hold on the ground. The forces are working to capture the "anti-tank line," which stretches eight to ten kilometers from the border, and are preparing for a prolonged stay in accordance with the directives of the political leadership.

אמל״ח שאותר בבית חולים בבינת ג׳ביל (צילום: דובר צה״ל)

אמל״ח שאותר בבית חולים בבינת ג׳ביל (צילום: דובר צה״ל)