The current fighting between Israel and Hezbollah began as a side front in the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran. But it is fast becoming more central to Israel’s overall combat efforts and strategic objectives.
Since March 2, 2026 — when Hezbollah fired missiles into Israel in solidarity with Iran — Israel has bombarded Hezbollah’s strongholds across the country, called for the evacuation of the civilian population from south Lebanon in preparation for a ground invasion, and bombed bridges across the Litani River to prevent Hezbollah from transferring forces to the south. It has also struck in locations, particularly in central Beirut, that have long been thought safe from Israeli attacks on Hezbollah. All told, over a million Lebanese have been displaced and hundreds killed – including many civilians.
