Middle East & North Africa | Tuesday, June 3, 2026 — 08:00 AM local time
BEIRUT — Israel launched a coordinated ground and air operation into southern Lebanon on Tuesday after a cross-border attack killed 12 Israeli soldiers and wounded at least 30 more, the deadliest single incident along the Lebanon frontier in more than two years.
The Israel Defense Forces confirmed that tanks and infantry units crossed into Lebanese territory at multiple points, saying the operation was “targeted and limited” but would not confirm a specific depth. Lebanon’s state news agency reported artillery exchanges across the eastern sector, with smoke visible from the Israeli side of the border. Hezbollah confirmed it was engaged in fighting but gave no casualty figures.
The IRGC issued a statement warning that any Israeli ground operation in Lebanon would “change the regional map.” Oil prices spiked above $118 per barrel. The UN Security Council convened an emergency session. The US Department of State ordered non-emergency personnel to leave Beirut and urged Americans in Lebanon to depart while commercial flights remain available.