Israel's energy minister confirmed that Israeli soldiers have taken control of the southern Lebanese village of Maroun Al-Ras. The minister stated that the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) occupied the village and destroyed houses used by Hezbollah to launch anti-tank missiles at Israel.
The Israeli military announced that they had operational control of a Hezbollah combat compound in Maroun Al-Ras. Social media footage showed Israeli troops raising the Israeli flag in the village.
Despite Israeli claims of limited incursions, satellite imagery revealed Israeli military vehicles near a base belonging to the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). The UN Secretary-General confirmed that Israeli tanks and armed elements had left the area.
The US State Department criticized the social media footage of Israeli soldiers in Maroun Al-Ras as inappropriate. They emphasized that Israel's actions should align with their stated goal of limited incursions without the intention of holding territory.
It remains unclear if Israeli troops advanced further into Lebanese territory or if they withdrew towards Israel. The situation in Maroun Al-Ras continues to be monitored closely by international observers.
