Israel has initiated a ground operation in southern Lebanon, escalating its conflict with Hezbollah. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) announced on Tuesday that troops have begun “limited, localized and targeted raids” against Hezbollah targets along the border area.
This operation, dubbed “Northern Arrows,” marks Israel’s first ground invasion of Lebanon since 2006. It comes just days after the assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in Beirut. The IDF said that the targets are located in villages close to the border and pose an immediate threat to Israeli communities in northern Israel.
The ground operation was approved by the Israeli security cabinet on Monday evening. Israeli officials emphasized that the operation is targeted and limited in time and scope, not intended to occupy southern Lebanon. The objective is to “clean up” military positions and infrastructure Hezbollah had established close to the border, allowing displaced Israeli citizens to return to their homes.
US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin discussed the operation with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, agreeing on the necessity of dismantling attack infrastructure along the border. The White House believes it has reached understandings with Israel that the scope of the invasion will be limited to border areas in southern Lebanon.
However, concerns remain about the potential for escalation. The Biden administration has warned that an invasion could increase support for Hezbollah among ordinary Lebanese people. President Biden expressed his desire for a ceasefire, stating, “I’m comfortable with [Israel] stopping.”
The operation involves elite Israeli units, including paratroopers, commandos, and armored units, supported by air force and artillery. Intense fighting has been reported, with Hezbollah launching rocket and artillery attacks against Israeli positions.
The conflict has already displaced one million Lebanese and killed over 1,100 people, according to Lebanese authorities. Fears of a wider regional conflict persist, with Iran’s allies, including Yemen’s Houthis, launching attacks in support of Hamas.
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