Israeli Forces Launch Ground Offensive, Encircle Bint Jbeil in Southern Lebanon

Israeli forces launched a ground offensive in southern Lebanon, announcing the complete encirclement of Bint Jbeil.

The operation was led by the 98th Division, an elite unit specializing in urban combat.

Al Jazeera

Only a small number of Hezbollah fighters remained and full operational control was expected in the coming days.

Israeli forces had killed more than 100 Hezbollah fighters in the past week.

The offensive came as Israel and Lebanon prepared to hold talks in Washington.

The Lebanese Ministry of Health reported the death toll had risen to 2,089 people.

At least 17 people were killed in a single day of strikes that hit four towns.

Al-Jazeera Net

Six members of the same family were killed in the Tyre District.

The ICRC expressed deep concern over the continued targeting of humanitarian and medical personnel.

Rescue workers and civilians were affected as Israeli forces advanced.

Bint Jbeil holds strong symbolic value as the site of Nasrallah's "spider web" speech in 2000.

The Israeli army reported having taken and destroyed the city's stadium.

The capture would significantly limit Hezbollah's ability to target northern Israel.

Hezbollah fighters remaining in the city were determined to resist.

Sporadic clashes had already taken place in recent days.

Israel and Lebanon were set to hold talks in Washington on April 14.

Israel's ambassador confirmed that formal peace negotiations would begin with Lebanon.

France 24

Israel refuses to discuss a ceasefire with Hezbollah.

The conflict began when Hezbollah fired rockets after US-Israeli strikes killed Iran's supreme leader.

Netanyahu said there is still more to do.