The Israeli army has ramped up its military activities in the town of Mansouri in southern Lebanon, following operations in Ali Taher Heights. According to the "Maariv" newspaper, these actions aim to bolster security and prevent Hezbollah from reestablishing its presence in the area.
Mansouri is located within what is known as the yellow line, set by Israel in the western sector of southern Lebanon, near the town of Majdal Zoun. Due to its geographical location and proximity to southern routes, the town is strategically significant, as it lies between Majdal Zoun and the city of Tyre.
The Israeli army has not yet completed a full sweep of the town. Israeli military estimates suggest Hezbollah might seek to return and use its buildings to launch attacks on Israeli forces stationed in Majdal Zoun and other western areas of the security belt established by Israel.
Mansouri, predominantly Shiite, was evacuated during fighting, and its residents have not returned. Recently, the 91st Division's reserve paratroopers brigade has been operating around the town as part of a systematic military campaign.
On Monday morning, according to Lebanese media, Israeli airstrikes targeted buildings in Mansouri. The army states it launches between one and three daily airstrikes in the area in tandem with artillery fire.
The strikes target homes and buildings identified as booby-trapped or providing vantage points for surveillance and launching attacks against Israeli forces in the region.
Israeli Engineering Operations on Mansouri's Outskirts
Alongside the airstrikes, engineering corps, supported by armored units and reserve paratroopers, are clearing the town's outskirts to dismantle what the Israeli army describes as Hezbollah's infrastructure.
The army notes that Mansouri is lower in elevation than Majdal Zoun Heights, but its position is crucial for access from Tyre to the south.
Israeli estimates indicate the town could serve as a viable point for Hezbollah to attempt military restructuring and operations against Israeli forces in the western sector of southern Lebanon.
Israel Moves Ahead of Hezbollah's Plans
The Israeli army claims Hezbollah realized that the sweep in Mansouri wasn't complete, believing the group attempted to push plans to reposition in the town.
However, Israeli assessments suggest that their forces acted swiftly, targeting buildings and infrastructure to thwart these plans.
The army emphasizes that ongoing operations in Mansouri fall within the yellow line and are part of the "security formation" procedures for the region up to Israel's demarcated boundary.
Follow-Up to Ali Taher Tunnel Network Destruction
This operation in Mansouri comes after the Israeli army announced the destruction of what it called Hezbollah's central tunnel network in the Ali Taher Heights.
Israel had warned Iran and Hezbollah against any retaliation attempts, threatening extensive military responses. Israeli Defense Minister, Yisrael Katz, announced preparations to control the heights and prevent Hezbollah or any other entities from returning to the area and re-establishing a military presence.
These developments indicate continued Israeli operations in southern Lebanon, with a heightened focus on areas along the yellow line, aiming to prevent Hezbollah from rebuilding its military capabilities and infrastructure for attacks against Israeli forces.