IDF says elite 98th Division deployed to south Lebanon as part of offensive on Hezbollah

Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian is The Times of Israel's military correspondent

Soldiers of the Paratroopers Brigade operate in southern Lebanon, in a handout photo issued by the military on April 7, 2026. (Israel Defense Forces)
Soldiers of the Paratroopers Brigade operate in southern Lebanon, in a handout photo issued by the military on April 7, 2026. (Israel Defense Forces)

The IDF announces that it has deployed a sixth division to southern Lebanon amid the ongoing ground offensive against Hezbollah.

In the past week, the 98th Division, an elite formation of paratroopers and commando units, began “targeted ground operations to additional objectives in southern Lebanon,” the military says.

The IDF also says that troops have “completed their deployment” along the so-called “anti-tank line,” several kilometers deep into Lebanon, from which Hezbollah could launch anti-tank guided missiles at Israeli communities.

The military says the troops are now “continuing operations in the area to strengthen the forward defensive line and remove threats to residents of the north.”

According to the military, five IDF divisions are now involved in the ground offensive against Hezbollah: the 146th and 162nd pushed into the western sector, and the 91st and 36th have raided the eastern sector.

In addition, the IDF’s 210th “Bashan” Regional Division is stationed in the Mount Dov area and has conducted several raids on the Lebanese side of the mountain.

Most Popular
If you’d like to comment, join
The Times of Israel Community.
Join The Times of Israel Community
Commenting is available for paying members of The Times of Israel Community only. Please join our Community to comment and enjoy other Community benefits.
Please use the following structure: example@domain.com
Confirm Mail
Thank you! Now check your email
You are now a member of The Times of Israel Community! We sent you an email with a login link to . Once you're set up, you can start enjoying Community benefits and commenting.