Israeli forces clashed with Hezbollah militants along the Lebanon border on Wednesday, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict. The Israeli military announced the first death of a soldier in cross-border raids, highlighting the increasing intensity of the battles in two key areas along the frontier.

The fighting comes amid rising tensions between Israel and Iran, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issuing a stern warning to Iran following its second direct attack on Israel. Netanyahu declared that Iran would face serious consequences for what he called a “big mistake.” In response, Iran, a staunch supporter of Hezbollah, warned that any Israeli retaliation would prompt an even larger counterstrike, despite growing international calls for de-escalation. The conflict, which has already claimed more than 1,000 lives in Lebanon since last week, shows no signs of easing.

Israel has recently shifted its military focus from the Gaza Strip—where it has been engaged with Iran-backed Hamas—to securing its northern border with Lebanon, as it confronts Hezbollah militants. A day after the Israeli military began targeted ground raids in southern Lebanon, it confirmed the first Israeli soldier’s death in combat since the outbreak of hostilities with Hezbollah.

Israel has continued to bombard Hezbollah strongholds, particularly in southern Beirut. Last week, it dealt Hezbollah a major blow by killing its leader, Hassan Nasrallah, in a powerful strike. Hezbollah, for its part, claimed it had repelled Israeli forces attempting to enter a border village, engaging Israeli troops in another area and targeting an Israeli unit with an explosive device.

Meanwhile, the Lebanese army reported that Israeli troops staged two brief incursions into Lebanon before withdrawing. An Israeli drone strike also left a Lebanese soldier wounded, further intensifying the conflict along the border.

The Israeli military has urged residents in over 20 areas of southern Lebanon to evacuate, following a similar advisory the day before. In addition, Israel continued its bombardment of Hezbollah targets in Beirut, with Lebanese security sources reporting multiple airstrikes overnight in the city’s southern suburbs. AFP correspondents recorded about 20 explosions, with smoke rising from the area as the fighting continued.

As the conflict deepens, the international community remains concerned about the potential for further escalation, especially as tensions between Israel and Iran heighten.