Israeli Army Reports Dozens Wounded in Southern Lebanon Battles

JERUSALEM (AP) — The Israeli military reported Monday that 48 officers and soldiers were wounded during combat operations across southern Lebanon over the past five days, marking a significant escalation in casualties since fighting resumed earlier this year.

The Israel Defense Forces confirmed the injuries occurred amid ongoing clashes with Hezbollah forces along the border region. While no specific details regarding the severity of wounds or locations of engagements were immediately released by military spokespeople, officials stated that all wounded personnel received medical attention and are being treated at field hospitals near the front lines.

This latest wave of casualties adds to a growing toll from hostilities that intensified in early March following weeks of sporadic cross-border fire. The current conflict has seen increased artillery exchanges, drone strikes, and ground incursions into Lebanese territory as both sides seek strategic advantages along the 12-kilometer border zone.

Hezbollah has not yet released independent casualty figures for its own fighters or civilians in Lebanon during this period. However, local hospitals in southern Lebanon have reported treating numerous injured individuals over the weekend, though authorities have declined to specify whether these patients are combatants or non-combatants caught in crossfire.

The fighting represents one of the most intense periods of violence between Israel and Hezbollah since the 2006 war. Military analysts note that the scale of recent operations suggests both sides may be preparing for prolonged engagement rather than limited skirmishes.

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant addressed troops at a command center in northern Israel late Sunday, urging caution while emphasizing readiness to respond decisively to any threat emanating from Lebanon. He did not comment directly on the casualty figures but reaffirmed that Israeli forces remain committed to protecting citizens living near the border.

Civilian populations in both southern Lebanon and northern Israel have faced repeated displacement orders over the past month as shelling has intensified. Thousands of residents continue to shelter in emergency facilities while schools and businesses remain closed due to security concerns.

International mediators, including representatives from France and Egypt, are reportedly working behind the scenes to negotiate a de-escalation framework, though no formal talks have been announced by either party.

The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has maintained its presence along the Blue Line but faces increasing challenges as combat zones expand into areas previously considered buffer zones. Peacekeepers have called for an immediate cessation of hostilities to prevent further loss of life and infrastructure damage.

As night fell over southern Lebanon on Monday, sporadic explosions continued to echo across the border region. Military sources indicated that operations were ongoing with no indication of a pause in fighting expected in the coming hours or days.