JERUSALEM, April 13 (Xinhua) -- Israel expanded its ground offensive in Lebanon on Monday, the military said, a day before Israeli and Lebanese officials are due to begin rare direct talks in Washington.

Photo taken on April 9, 2026 shows buildings destroyed by Israeli airstrikes in Zrariyeh, southern Lebanon. (Photo: Xinhua)

Israeli troops have surrounded the town of Bint Jbeil near the border and launched ground operations against what the military described in a statement as Hezbollah infrastructure in the area, killing more than 100 members, it said.

Close-quarters combat was underway, with air strikes supporting ground forces, the military said. It did not immediately report Israeli casualties.

Hezbollah also did not immediately acknowledge casualties. The group said in a statement that it fired a rocket barrage at Israeli soldiers in Kfar Giladi at noon, in response to Israeli violations of a ceasefire and attacks on southern villages.

Air raid sirens sounded across northern Israel, warning of incoming rockets. The military also reported a drone incursion and said it attempted to intercept it for about an hour as it crossed the Galilee.

The escalation follows a visit by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to southern Lebanon on Sunday, where he said: "The war continues." Defense Minister Israel Katz said a new operation had been launched to demolish homes in villages along the border.