Khiam town's high ground location near Israel's border has made it a critical flashpoint as Israel widens its ground assault into southern Lebanon, facing stiff resistance from Hezbollah militants. Situated on a hilltop overlooking Israel's Upper Galilee and key supply routes, Khiam has been contested for decades, including during the 1980s-90s Israeli occupation. Israel's current struggle to seize control here signals the strength of Hezbollah fighters and the depth of its incursion.

Residents fleeing the fighting fear a larger war, with one stating, 'This war will be much bigger than the last.' Israeli forces reached Khiam's outskirts rapidly this month after Hezbollah fired rockets to avenge Iran's supreme leader, clashing with militants but failing to secure the town. The battle for Khiam underscores the conflict's intensity and the challenges Israel faces pushing further into Lebanon.