Israeli military operations in southern Lebanon have intensified since late May 2026, with ground forces crossing the Litani River for the first time since 2006 and advancing to positions on the outskirts of Nabatieh amid strikes on Hezbollah targets. Evacuation orders have covered the city and surrounding villages, while Lebanese reports confirm Israeli troops probing defenses and isolating approaches to the regional hub. Exchanges of fire continue despite nominal truce efforts and diplomatic talks, with the Israel Defense Forces citing the need to degrade militant infrastructure north of the river. Trader assessments of entry timing reflect these tactical movements, ongoing airstrikes, and any shifts in ceasefire negotiations or Hezbollah resistance that could alter the pace of ground advances.