IDF Encircles Bint Jbeil, Kills Over 100 Hezbollah Fighters in Ground Offensive

The IDF completed the encirclement of Bint Jbeil and launched a ground offensive against Hezbollah.

“At least six people have been killed in a new wave of Israeli attacks in southern Lebanon, state media reports, as the Israeli military claims to have surrounded a main town there”

Al Jazeera

The 98th Division led the operation, including Paratroopers, Commando, and Givati brigades.

Al Jazeera

The IDF announced it had killed more than 100 Hezbollah fighters in the area.

Bint Jbeil holds symbolic importance as the site of Nasrallah's 2000 victory speech.

Colonel Avichay Adraee said the forces have completed the encirclement and begun an assault.

Hezbollah said it has been engaged in fighting for several days.

The Lebanese National News Agency reported violent clashes and Israeli bombardments.

Bint Jbeil is located less than 4 kilometers from the Israeli border.

It has been a focal point of conflict in previous wars.

Anadolu Ajansi

The city is considered the capital of the resistance.

Brig. Gen. Bahaa Halal said Bint Jbeil is the center of gravity in the battle.

Control of the city would redraw front lines.

The IDF captured Bint Jbeil's stadium where Nasrallah delivered his victory speech.

The offensive unfolded on the eve of the first direct talks between Lebanon and Israel in Washington.

“Battle of Bint Jbeil: The battlefield shapes the contours of negotiations between Lebanon and Israel (Report) The city of Bint Jbeil in southern Lebanon is witnessing a pivotal battle between the Israeli army and Hezbollah Naim Berjawi April 14, 2026•Updated: April 14, 2026 Lebanon, Lebanon Beirut / Naim Berjawi / Anadolu Agency The city of Bint Jbeil in southern Lebanon is witnessing a pivotal battle between the Israeli army and Hezbollah”

Anadolu Ajansi

Lebanese Ambassador Nada Hamadeh Maoud and Israeli Ambassador Yehiel Leiter were set to meet.

Lebanon's culture minister said the government was focused on securing an immediate halt to hostilities.

Hezbollah's leader Naim Kassem urged Lebanon to step down from the talks.

At least 2,055 people have been killed in Israeli strikes since March 2.

Israel has begun a ground invasion of southern Lebanon.

Netanyahu said his forces had eliminated a threat of invasion from Hezbollah.

Israel intends to establish a security zone that could reach the Litani River.

Le Figaro

The operation comes after Hezbollah joined the war following the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader.

The Israeli army said it would have full operational control of Bint Jbeil within days.

The battle for Bint Jbeil is shaping the contours of negotiations.