Since Israel launched its ground invasion of Lebanon, Israeli forces and Hezbollah militants have clashed along the border while the Lebanese army has largely stood on the sidelines

BEIRUT—Israel is intensifying its air and ground offensive in Lebanon after suspected Israeli strikes overnight in central Beirut and United Nations peacekeeping forces in southern Lebanon said explosions hit close to their positions.

Israeli airstrikes have hit the headquarters of the U.N. peacekeeping force and other positions in south Lebanon in recent days, drawing widespread condemnation from around the world.