The move follows a month-long ground operation involving five military brigades despite opposition from Israel's Prime Minister and members of his cabinet. The Israeli army previously stated the operation had entered its final stage.
According to military sources, the Israeli army claims to have identified and dismantled multiple Hezbollah infrastructures both above and below ground in towns near the Lebanese border. The withdrawal and redeployment of troops along the border come as tens of thousands of Israelis, from the northernmost areas down to Tel Aviv, sought shelter.
Hezbollah has launched waves of drones and missiles into Israel since early Saturday, with the largest impact recorded in the town of Tira, home to the '48 Palestinian' citizens of Israel. The strikes have reportedly overwhelmed Israel's air defenses, which struggled to intercept the drones, leading to damage at key infrastructure sites.
Unconfirmed Israeli reports indicate that Hezbollah targeted several critical locations, including Misgav and Glilot bases, as well as Zevulun military industrial facilities.