Israeli Military Announces Start of “Limited Ground Operation” in Lebanon
The Israeli military has initiated a “limited ground operation” in southern Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah’s infrastructure and terrorist targets. This operation marks a significant escalation in the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, which has been heightened by the recent death of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in an Israeli airstrike.
The operation, described as “targeted and limited,” aims to neutralize immediate threats from villages near the border, particularly Hezbollah’s capacity to infiltrate northern Israel. Israeli officials have emphasized that there will be no long-term occupation of Lebanon, but the specifics of the military strategy within Lebanon remain vague.
President Joe Biden has urged for an immediate cease-fire, but U.S. officials seem to express their backing for Israel’s limited military operation. The U.S. Defense Secretary, Lloyd Austin, has engaged with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant to discuss security developments and Israeli military operations, emphasizing the importance of dismantling attack infrastructure along the border.
The operation has resulted in several explosions and smoke near the Lebanese village of Ait Marayoun, with videos shared on social media depicting an explosion near a telecom facility and a vehicle engulfed in flames.
Israeli officials have stated that the focus is on eliminating immediate threats, but the duration and depth of the operation remain unclear. The situation marks a new and perilous chapter in nearly a year of conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.
