Israel has officially commenced the ground invasion of Lebanon, beginning with “limited” raids against Hezbollah positions in the border region.
The military announced “localized and targeted ground raids” against Hezbollah in southern Lebanese villages, citing an “immediate threat” to northern Israeli communities.
Israel’s air force and artillery have conducted “precise strikes” to support ground forces, with residents in Aita al-Shaab reporting intense shelling and the sounds of helicopters and drones.
Flares lit up the night sky over the border town of Rmeish, signaling increased military activity.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated that the next phase of operations along Lebanon’s southern border aims to return citizens who fled Hezbollah rocket attacks during ongoing hostilities.
This ground offensive significantly escalates the conflict between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah, reigniting tensions after Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, and potentially involving international actors like the U.S. and Iran.
An Israeli airstrike on Tuesday targeted Mounir Maqdah, commander of the Palestinian Fatah movement’s military wing, Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade, in the Ain al-Hilweh Palestinian refugee camp near Sidon.
The fate of Maqdah remains unknown, and this incident marks the first strike on Lebanon’s largest Palestinian camp since the recent hostilities began.
In Syria, Israeli airstrikes on Damascus resulted in the deaths of three civilians and injuries to nine others, as reported by Syrian state media.
Israel has intensified its operations against Iran-linked targets in Syria following the Hamas attack on October 7, which killed approximately 1,200 Israelis and resulted in around 250 hostages taken.
These actions have reportedly killed around 1,000 Lebanese civilians and displaced nearly one million while eliminating several Hezbollah commanders.
Israeli airstrikes recently targeted Beirut’s southern suburbs, causing significant damage and loud explosions.
In the past 24 hours, Lebanon’s health ministry reported at least 95 fatalities and 172 injuries from these strikes.
Lebanese troops have pulled back from the southern border, but the army has historically avoided direct engagement with Israel.
The U.S. hasn’t commented on Israel’s military actions, but President Biden previously called for a ceasefire, expressing concern over escalating violence.
Last week, Israel rejected a U.S. and France proposal for a 21-day ceasefire to aid displaced civilians.
