Israeli Defense Forces have intensified ground operations in southern Lebanon since mid-March, sending additional troops on March 26 to expand incursions against Hezbollah amid fierce clashes and rocket fire from both sides. Airstrikes continue targeting Hezbollah infrastructure in Beirut's southern suburbs—its political heartland—but no verified ground entry into central Beirut has occurred, anchoring trader consensus against near-term advancement. Israel's objective remains a security buffer zone up to the Litani River, roughly 80km south of Beirut, facing Hezbollah vows of resistance and Lebanese government warnings of broader threats. Escalation risks persist with overnight strikes reported March 28, while diplomatic signals from the US and UN could temper further northern pushes.