Israel said on Wednesday that it is redeploying ground forces from the Gaza Strip to the northern border with Lebanon as fighting with the militant group Hezbollah intensified.

This is amid a broader regional conflict involving Iran, Israel and U.S.

In a statement, the Israeli military said it was transferring the Golani Brigade from its Southern Command to operate under Northern Command along the Lebanese frontier.

The infantry unit had been involved in combat operations in Gaza during Israel’s prolonged offensive in the enclave.

The redeployment followed what the military described as a “situational assessment” by Israeli chief of staff, Eyal Zamir.

According to the military, the move is intended to reinforce the northern sector as clashes with Hezbollah escalate.

Officials added that further reinforcements could be sent depending on developments on the ground.

The shift signals the potential expansion of Israel’s ground operations into southern Lebanon.

Israeli strikes there have killed about 570 people since the latest phase of fighting began on March 2, according to figures released by the Lebanese prime minister’s office.

Israeli forces crossed into southern Lebanon near the border on March 3, saying the operation was aimed at establishing “forward defensive positions” inside Lebanese territory.

Meanwhile, Israeli forces are continuing military operations in the Gaza Strip.

Health authorities in Gaza reported that 649 people have been killed by Israeli fire since a fragile ceasefire was announced in October 2025.

According to the same authorities, the overall toll since the war began in October 2023 has reached 72,134 dead and 171,828 wounded. 
(Xinhua/NAN)