Israeli forces have confined ground operations and strikes primarily to southern Lebanon since the March 2026 escalation, focusing on establishing and consolidating a security zone south of the Litani River while targeting Hezbollah infrastructure. The most recent major development occurred in early September when the IDF destroyed a large underground Hezbollah complex beneath the Ali Taher Ridge using over 1,000 tonnes of explosives, triggering seismic activity and completing a phase of tunnel neutralization in the area. Ongoing demolitions, artillery fire, and patrols continue in towns such as Mansouri and Kfar Tebnit as of mid-September. Parallel diplomatic efforts between Israel and Lebanon, including framework agreements on phased withdrawal tied to Hezbollah disarmament, remain active though the next round of talks has been postponed until October. These factors, alongside U.S. mediation and the absence of announced plans for northern advances, shape current trader assessments of any Beirut entry timeline.