In a significant escalation of their offensive against the Hizbullah militants on Tuesday, Israeli forces advanced into southern Lebanon. This marked a new phase in their ongoing battle against this Iranian-supported group, which started firing rockets into northern Israel at the commencement of the Gaza war. It’s noteworthy that the last encounter of ground warfare between Israel and Hizbullah dates back to 2006.
Israel’s motive behind this latest action, following a series of severe Israeli strikes against Hizbullah, including one that took out its leader, Hassan Nasrallah, is to intensify the pressure on this group. The Israeli military clarified through a terse statement that they initiated targeted and localised ground incursions at Hizbullah positions in southern Lebanon. These targets, located near the border in villages, represent an instant threat to Israeli northern communities, according to the Israeli military.
While there is no indication so far on the duration of this operation, the army revealed that soldiers have been undergoing training and getting ready for this mission over the past few months. Israel’s declared intention is to continue their attacks on the group until conditions are safe for Israelis, who have been displaced from border communities, to return home.
Prior to Israel’s announcement, US officials reported that Israel had instigated minor ground raids within Lebanon. Israel then announced three small border localities to be a restricted military zone, granting access only to army personnel. There have been no reported direct confrontations between Israeli troops and Hizbullah militants as yet.
However, Israeli artillery continually shelled targets in southern Lebanon throughout the night, leading to echoes of air strikes being heard across Beirut. Smoke was visible rising from the southern suburbs of the capital, an area known for its strong Hizbullah presence, shortly after residents in three buildings were instructed by Israel to vacate.
In recent days, the army has significantly reinforced its forces along the border. Commanders have expressed readiness to venture further into Lebanon if required. Lebanese health ministry sources reveal that Israeli strikes over the past fortnight have claimed over 1,000 lives, with almost a quarter being women and children. These strikes have targeted thousands of militant locations over large segments of Lebanon.