Beirut/Tel Aviv, 16 March 2026 (dpa/MIA) - The Israeli military has begun "limited and targeted ground operations" in the south of neighbouring Lebanon in recent days, it said on Monday.

The aim is to target active members of the Iranian-backed Hezbollah militia in the area as well as its infrastructure, the military said.

The ground operations are said to be "part of broader defensive measures" to protect residents in northern Israel.

The Times of Israel reported over the weekend that Israeli ground troops had killed dozens of Hezbollah militiamen in clashes in southern Lebanon. Israel's Ministry of Defence confirmed the report upon request.

Weapons depots, a command centre and Hezbollah observation posts had reportedly been destroyed.

In Lebanon, there is concern about a larger ground offensive by Israel. According to the news portal Axios, citing Israeli and US officials, Israel intends to take control of the entire area south of the Litani river to dismantle Hezbollah's military infrastructure.