Israeli strikes kill at least 31 in south Lebanon as Israel expands ground operations

Airstrikes hit towns, hospital and dam area as Israel steps up Lebanon offensive

Fighting between Israel and Hezbollah intensified Tuesday as Iran threatened to retaliate after U.S. strikes overnight.

In recent days, Israeli forces have expanded their operational activity in the area, crossing the Litani River and carrying out targeted raids at various locations beyond the Yellow Line.

The line, separate from the U.N.-demarcated "Blue Line" marking the frontier between Lebanon ​and Israel after Israel's withdrawal in 2000, forms part of a proposed buffer zone ​extending 5km to 10 km (3 miles to 6 miles) into southern Lebanon, where Israeli troops continue to operate in dozens of largely abandoned villages.