The IDF said it was investigating Lebanese media reports claiming soldiers from the Lebanese Armed Forces were injured in Israeli airstrikes near the southern Lebanese village of Froun on Tuesday.

“The incident is under review,” the IDF said in a statement.

The military stressed that its operations in southern Lebanon target the Hezbollah terrorist organization, not the Lebanese Armed Forces or civilians.

Smoke rises after Israeli strikes following an escalation between Hezbollah and Israel, in the southern suburbs of Beirut, Lebanon, March 17, 2026
Smoke rises after Israeli strikes following an escalation between Hezbollah and Israel, in the southern suburbs of Beirut, Lebanon, March 17, 2026 (credit: REUTERS/Raghed Waked)

IDF begins limited ground operations targeting Hezbollah 

This came after troops from the IDF's 36th Division began a limited and targeted ground operation against Hezbollah in Lebanon, aimed at enhancing Israel's defensive area on Tuesday.

According to the military, the operation is also being conducted with the 91st Division, with forces continuing efforts following their previous deployment to establish a forward defense.

The stated objective is “to remove threats and create an additional layer of security for residents of northern Israel.”