Full Breakdown
IDF Crosses Litani River in Week-Long Raid
5/13/2026, 5:58:28 AM
Core Operation
In early May 2026, IDF Egoz and the Golani Brigade’s Reconnaissance Unit crossed the Litani River near Zawtar al-Sharqiyah, about 10 km north of the Israeli border. The incursion broke the “Litani barrier,” a de-facto line since 2006, and aimed to dismantle Hezbollah mortar cells, tunnels and weapons caches used against Israeli positions.
Timeline & Impact
On 1 May IDF troops entered the Litani valley on APCs, using robots for scouting. Over three days they fought Hezbollah in tunnels, wounding several soldiers and losing an Oketz dog. During the week-long clearance engineers opened crossing routes while Israeli Air Force struck over 100 targets, including rocket launchers and underground depots. By 12 May the IDF reported about 15 Hezbollah fighters killed; total campaign casualties are roughly 70. The raid destroyed around 1,000 infrastructure items; since the cease-fire 346 IDF airstrikes have been recorded, 132 north of the Litani.
Official Statements & Responses
Col. Avichay Adraee said the IDF “is forced to act against it with force and does not intend to harm” civilians. Benjamin Netanyahu expressed condolences for reservist Alexander Glovanyov, killed by a Hezbollah drone, describing his service as “a deep commitment to defend the State of Israel.” Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem rejected disarmament talks, vowing the group will “continue to defend Lebanon … and turn it into hell for Israel.”
Criticism & Opposition
Hezbollah called the raid a cease-fire breach and warned Israeli pressure would intensify resistance. The Lebanese health ministry reported over 2,800 civilian deaths since the conflict’s escalation, underscoring civilian cost concerns.
On-the-Ground Report
Lt. Col. B., commander of the Golani Reconnaissance Unit, described brush, tunnel battles and a forested valley that “trapped the terrorists inside.” He noted the loss of an Oketz dog and the seizure of weapons caches, food and vehicles hidden underground.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
IDF cites 15 Hezbollah fighters killed, while other sources mention “dozens” without precise numbers. Lebanese officials claim civilian casualties from Israeli strikes, but the IDF has not confirmed non-combatant deaths. The number of IDF wounded is unclear, with reports ranging from “several” to three specific injuries from drone attacks.
Verbatim Quotes
- “In light of the Hezbollah terror organization’s violations of the ceasefire agreement, the IDF is forced to act against it with force and does not intend to harm you,” — Col. Avichay Adraee
- “Alexander, 47 at the time of his death, volunteered for reserve duty out of commitment and a deep sense of mission to defend the State of Israel,” — Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
- “We will not surrender and we will continue to defend Lebanon and its people, however long it takes and however great the sacrifices… we will not abandon the battlefield and we will turn it into hell for Israel,” — Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem
