JERUSALEM/BEIRUT: The Israeli military said on Tuesday it had launched targeted raids against Hezbollah in southwest Lebanon, expanding its ground operations along the country’s coastline after deploying more troops.

On its Telegram channel, the military said its 146th Division began “limited, localized, targeted operational activities” against Hezbollah targets and infrastructure in southwestern Lebanon.

While the military has not disclosed how many troops are operating inside Lebanon, the Times of Israel newspaper reported the number likely exceeds 15,000.

The 146th division is the first reserve division to operate in southern Lebanon as part of the ongoing operations against Hezbollah, the military said.

It previously served in the Gaza Strip and the occupied West Bank.

Israeli ground operations inside southern Lebanon began on September 30.

The military describing them as “limited, localized, and targeted raids” aimed at dismantling Hezbollah’s infrastructure.

Initially concentrated in the south and southeast of Lebanon, the Israeli military operations have now been extended to the southwest.