Israeli forces have intensified efforts to expand their presence beyond the self-declared “Yellow Line” in southern Lebanon, launching a series of limited ground advances in both the eastern and western sectors while facing resistance from Hezbollah fighters, according to security and local sources.

Security sources in southern Lebanon told Asharq Al-Awsat that Israeli forces have carried out new operations over the past two days around the Beaufort Castle area in the Nabatiyeh district. The military has sought to push toward the town of Kfar Tebnit and the strategically important Ali al-Taher hill, while simultaneously attempting advances in the western sector toward Buyout al-Sayyad and Majdel Zoun.

The sources said the operations have so far failed to produce new territorial gains.

The attempts in the eastern sector represent the fifth such operation in the past two weeks, following Israel's seizure of Beaufort Castle and the towns of Yohmor, Arnoun and Zawtar al-Sharqiyeh. In the western sector, six separate attempts have been recorded since last month after Israeli forces established positions in the coastal towns of Bayyada and Shamaa.

According to the sources, Israeli forces have expanded the scope of their fire from positions in Zawtar, Arnoun and Yahmar al-Shaqif toward Kfar Tebnit, Mifdoun, Choukine, Nabatiyeh al-Fawqa and the city of Nabatiyeh itself.

The apparent objective is to advance toward Kfar Tebnit and eventually reach Ali al-Taher hill, a strategic position overlooking Nabatiyeh and surrounding villages from the west. The hill also commands views of Qlayaa, Marjayoun and Khiyam to the east, and the forests of the Jezzine district, including Mahmoudiyeh, Jormoq, Aishiyeh and Rihan, to the north.

The sources said Israeli vehicles attempting to advance toward Kfar Tebnit came under attack from Hezbollah suicide drones and Kornet anti-tank missiles launched from positions near Arnoun and Yohmor. Hezbollah fighters also targeted Israeli troop concentrations in areas including Zawtar and Qantara.

The attacks prompted Israel to intensify airstrikes and artillery bombardments against Kfar Tebnit, Mifdoun and Choukine, as Israeli forces sought to suppress efforts to target their troops and logistical convoys.

The sources also reported additional attempts to move toward Mifdoun and the outskirts of Choukine using unmanned vehicles, describing them as efforts to test Hezbollah's defensive capabilities.

Over the past month, Israeli attacks on the area have increased significantly. The sources said Israeli forces have moved artillery positions deeper into Lebanese territory, enabling more sustained shelling aimed at restricting Hezbollah fighters' movements.

Hezbollah, meanwhile, has concentrated much of its military activity in the region, seeking to prevent Israeli forces from reaching Ali al-Taher hill, according to the group's daily operational statements.

Despite the ongoing fighting, the area has effectively become what the sources described as "occupied by fire." Large sections have been emptied of residents, while widespread destruction has spread across towns and villages.

The main road linking the area to Marjayoun and Qlayaa has become unusable because of continuous military activity. An alternative route serving isolated Christian towns has been opened through Debbine, Ibl al-Saqi and the western Bekaa.

In the western sector, Israeli forces have made six attempts to advance inland from Bayyada toward Buyout al-Sayyad, Majdel Zoun and the outskirts of Zebqine.

Local sources in Tyre said the operations began roughly a week after Israeli forces consolidated control over Bayyada and Shamaa and established military positions there.

Although Israeli troops briefly entered Buyout al-Sayyad, the advance was short-lived and forces later withdrew, the sources said.

The western sector's terrain, characterized by dense vegetation and orchards, has made Israeli operations particularly challenging. Local sources believe Israel is attempting to reduce Hezbollah's ability to target troops and military equipment using fiber-optic-guided drones and anti-tank missiles.

According to the sources, Hezbollah fighters have struck advancing Israeli tanks at least three times. Israeli forces have since reduced the size of their troop deployments in the area, relying instead on smaller formations supported by intensive air and artillery cover.

Local media reported that Israeli attacks on Majdel Zoun reached unprecedented levels on Wednesday, with at least 10 airstrikes recorded against the town alone.

The strikes were accompanied by artillery shelling targeting Majdel Zoun, Qlayla, Al-Maaliyeh and Buyout al-Sayyad, underscoring the intensity of the ongoing military campaign as Israel seeks to expand pressure on Hezbollah positions while the group continues to resist advances on the ground.