The IDF has confirmed that its forces are operating in the Litani River area, a milestone in this conflict. Forces from the Golani Reconnaissance Unit, Alexandroni Brigade, 769th Brigade, and Shaldag Unit under Division 91 have patrolled the river region near Israel’s border (a few kilometers from Metula) and advanced to Wadi Saluki, the central maneuver area during the Second Lebanon War in 2006.
According to reports, the forces discovered hundreds of weapons, dozens of rocket launchers aimed at Israel’s northern border, and extensive underground infrastructure. Militants were eliminated in close combat and airstrikes.
Close Combat in Complex Terrain
In the Litani River area, the combat team of the Alexandroni Brigade, including reservists from the 769th Brigade, the Golani Reconnaissance Unit, and the Shaldag Unit, acted on intelligence indicating extensive hidden terror infrastructure in the challenging terrain.
The forces attacked multiple terror targets, engaged in close combat with militants, and located and destroyed dozens of rocket launchers, thousands of rockets and missiles, and weapon caches concealed in the mountain slopes, including artillery pieces.
In the Saluki area, commando division combat teams raided terror infrastructure. They uncovered and seized hundreds of weapons, dozens of underground facilities, and numerous rocket launchers ready for use.
Litani River – A Symbolic and Topographic Border
The Litani River begins in the Bekaa Valley and flows southward toward Metula, where it turns west and continues to the Mediterranean, slightly north of Tyre. Many consider the Litani the natural topographic border between Israel and Lebanon. The river has become significant in Israeli consciousness due to military operations conducted around it over the years—from the 1978 operation named after it to the Lebanon wars and UN Resolution 1701, which clearly defines it as the border between “Hezbollah territory” and southern Lebanon, intended to remain secure for Israel.
Although the Litani is only 3–4 kilometers from Israel’s border, the arrival of IDF forces at the river holds symbolic importance. It signifies the success of maneuvers over the past two months and demonstrates Israel’s ability to advance at will deep into Lebanon, from the Beaufort Castle and beyond.
