Sources have revealed that what the Israeli occupation presents as a “significant battlefield achievement” following the arrival of its forces at the Litani River amounts to little more than limited progress achieved after nearly three months of intense fighting and the extensive use of scorched-earth tactics.
According to the sources, the occupation selected the narrowest geographical axis and the route closest to the Lebanese-Palestinian border in order to reach the river. The distance between the launching point of its forces in the Galilee Panhandle and the Litani River is estimated at just three kilometres.
Limited Territorial Gains After Months of Fighting
The sources explained that Israeli forces required approximately three months to occupy around eight Lebanese villages located along the axis that eventually led them to the Litani River. These included Adaisseh, Kfar Kila, and Rabb Thalathin, all of which had already been completely destroyed and were devoid of any civilian population or Resistance presence.
Throughout the past three months, the Resistance succeeded in repelling Israeli forces along this front and imposing significant costs on them, despite the deployment of division-sized forces that included elite regular units from the 36th Division, particularly the Golani Brigade.
Scorched-Earth Tactics Continue
Sources confirmed that Israeli forces relied heavily on scorched-earth tactics during their advance, unleashing massive volumes of firepower and sustained bombardment that destroyed entire urban areas overlooking the river.
The objective, according to the sources, was to prevent Resistance fighters from establishing positions in those locations. The occupation continues to employ the same strategy during every attempted advance in order to avoid direct confrontations with Resistance fighters.
The sources added that Israeli forces positioned in rear formations, extending to border positions and areas beyond them, remain under constant Resistance fire and continue to lack security and stability.
No Lasting Control on the Ground
The sources stressed that Israeli forces have so far failed to establish a stable presence in any area they have entered.
They noted that the true measure lies in the tactical and operational significance of territorial gains, arguing that the battlefield remains fluid and contested amid ongoing clashes and military engagements.
Regarding the Eastern Zawtar and Yahmar axis, the sources stated that Israeli forces have not succeeded in taking control of either town and remain positioned on their southern outskirts while Resistance fighters continue to engage them in fierce confrontations.
Resistance Operations Continue
The Islamic Resistance in Lebanon continues its military operations against Israeli occupation forces in southern Lebanon and across occupied Palestinian territory in response to ongoing Israeli violations of the ceasefire agreement reached on 18 April.
In this context, sources in southern Lebanon reiterated that Israeli forces remain unable to advance due to sustained Resistance fire targeting troop concentrations and movement routes.
They further explained that Israeli forces are still attempting to push forward within an operational zone located between three and five kilometres from the Palestinian border, where ongoing confrontations continue between Resistance fighters and occupation troops that have so far been unable to secure and maintain positions inside the villages.
