Beirut, Lebanon – Israeli troops have initiated a ground offensive in southern Lebanon, marking a significant move in an ongoing conflict with Hezbollah, the military confirmed in a statement.
The military reported that its forces had launched targeted ground raids on villages in the region, with the incursions backed by air strikes and artillery. The operations were described as “limited, localised, and targeted” against Hezbollah fighters in villages near the border with Israel.
This ground offensive comes following the approval of Israeli political leaders, signaling a new phase in the conflict with Hezbollah in Lebanon. The move represents Israel’s effort to combat the Iranian-backed armed group in its neighboring country to the north.
In response, Hezbollah claimed to have targeted Israeli troops across the border with artillery fire, but made no reference to Israel’s ground incursion into Lebanon. The conflict has not yet escalated to direct clashes between Israeli forces and Hezbollah fighters.
The recent escalation in Israel’s operations against Hezbollah has instilled a sense of confidence in Tel Aviv, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issuing a warning to Iran in a recent speech. On the other hand, some Israeli analysts have expressed concerns about potential overconfidence, calling for caution in the operation.
The situation has led to tens of thousands of people fleeing their homes on both sides of the Israel-Lebanon border. The continued violence has resulted in a high number of casualties, with intense air assaults primarily targeting areas in southern and eastern Lebanon where Hezbollah’s leadership is located.
Despite calls for restraint from the United States, Israel and its main ally appear to have agreed upon the ground operations within Lebanon. US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant held discussions regarding the necessity of dismantling attack infrastructure along the border to prevent further attacks on Israeli communities.
As the conflict continues to unfold, Lebanon’s acting Prime Minister Najib Mikati has indicated readiness to implement United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701, which aimed at ending Hezbollah’s armed presence in southern Lebanon to maintain peace with Israel. The situation remains fluid, with uncertainties looming over the potential outcomes of the ongoing conflict.