The Israeli military announced on Wednesday that it is sending an additional division to participate in the ground war in southern Lebanon. While the exact size of Israeli military units is classified, a division typically consists of at least 10,000 troops.
Despite Israel's assertion that its operation in Lebanon is 'limited, localized, targeted,' the addition of a significant number of soldiers indicates a substantial escalation in the conflict.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have instructed Lebanese civilians in numerous villages to evacuate their homes and relocate north of the Awali River, approximately 30 miles north of the border with Israel.
The 36th Division of the IDF, along with additional forces, are joining the operations targeting Iran-backed Hezbollah. This division includes soldiers from the Golani Brigade, 188th Armored Brigade, and 6th Infantry Brigade, accompanied by the Israeli Air Force and the 282nd Artillery Brigade.
Previously, the elite 98th division was relocated from Gaza to northern Israel. The exact number of Israeli troops on the ground in southern Lebanon remains uncertain following the recent incursion across the northern border.
While the Israeli military has conducted 'sporadic raids' across the Lebanon-Israel border, they have not maintained a continuous presence on Lebanese soil, according to a source from the UN Interim Forces in Lebanon. This assessment is supported by two other high-level Lebanese security sources.
Israeli troops have intensified airstrikes in recent days, resulting in casualties, destruction of homes, and displacement of approximately 1 million people in Lebanon. The situation in the region remains fluid as tensions continue to escalate.
