Israel has begun a “limited, localized” operation against Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon, according to the Israeli military. This move marks a new phase in Israel’s conflict with the Lebanese militant group. The operation involves ground forces, air force, and artillery units targeting Hezbollah positions near the Israeli border. The army has been training and preparing for this operation for months.
The incursion into Lebanon was approved by Israeli political leaders and is part of Israel’s ongoing war against Hezbollah, which is supported by Iran. The United States was informed about the raids, which were described as limited operations focused on Hezbollah infrastructure near the border. Israel has been conducting airstrikes and sealing off communities along its northern border in response to Hezbollah’s actions.
Despite the ongoing conflict, there have been no direct clashes between Israeli troops and Hezbollah militants on Lebanese soil. The situation escalated after Israel ordered residents of three buildings in Beirut to evacuate and launched airstrikes in the capital’s southern suburbs where Hezbollah has a strong presence. The goal of these operations is to make it safe for families to return to their homes near the Lebanon border.
Hezbollah has vowed to keep fighting even after the death of its longtime leader, Hassan Nasrallah, and other top officials in recent Israeli strikes. The group’s acting leader, Naim Kassem, stated that Hezbollah is ready for a ground offensive by Israel. Hashem Safieddine, a cousin of Nasrallah, is expected to take over the top position in Hezbollah.
The Israeli military has declared three northern communities near the Lebanese border as “closed military zones,” indicating a possible ground operation. The army has increased its presence along the border, with tanks positioned and checkpoints set up. Residents in northern Israel have noticed these preparations and believe that an invasion into Lebanon is imminent.
Recent Israeli strikes have targeted thousands of militant positions across Lebanon, resulting in over 1,000 deaths in the past two weeks, including women and children. The conflict has intensified, with airstrikes hitting residential areas in central Beirut. Israel’s actions are meant to send a message that no part of Lebanon is off-limits in the ongoing conflict with Hezbollah.
