Israel has informed the U.S. that it plans to conduct a limited-scale ground operation in Lebanon that could begin imminently, an American official told the Washington Post.
The planned operation will be smaller in scale compared to Israel’s last war against Hezbollah in 2006, the official emphasized.
The operation will focus on dismantling military infrastructure along the border to eliminate the threat to Israeli border communities, the official stated, speaking on the condition of anonymity.
Meanwhile, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant told mayors of regions along Israel’s northern border that “the next stage of the war against Hezbollah will start soon—it will be a significant factor in changing the security situation and will allow us to fulfill the important part of our war goals: bringing residents back to their homes.”
Paris Calls on Israel to Refrain from Ground Invasion of Lebanon
French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian reiterated calls for Israel to refrain from any ground invasion of Lebanon, stating that Paris will bolster its support for the Lebanese army.
“I urge (…) Israel not to conduct any ground invasion and to cease fire. I also call on Hezbollah to do the same and refrain from any actions that could lead to regional destabilization,” Le Drian emphasized to reporters during his visit to Lebanon.
Blinken: The World is “Safer” Following Nasrallah’s Death
Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of Hezbollah who was killed in an Israeli strike on Friday, was a “barbaric terrorist,” and the world is “safer without him,” U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said today, noting that he will continue to work toward a diplomatic solution in Lebanon.
“Diplomacy remains the best and only path to achieving greater stability in the Middle East, and the U.S. is committed to advancing these efforts as a matter of urgency,” he stated, to achieve a diplomatic solution in Lebanon and a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.
Israeli Special Forces Operate in Southern Lebanon, Searching for Hezbollah Tunnels
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have begun limited-scale operations in southern Lebanon, including incursions into tunnels used by Hezbollah, in anticipation of a potential ground operation in the area, according to a report from the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) citing anonymous sources.
These operations, carried out by Israeli special forces, are reportedly aimed at gathering intelligence and preparing the ground for a possible larger attack that could begin within the week.
According to the American newspaper, such operations have taken place over the last few months, including more recently, as part of Israel’s strategy to confront Hezbollah, which maintains a strong presence along the Israel-Lebanon border.
Amir Avivi, a former senior Israeli military official, stated that an Israeli ground invasion is imminent and that the raids are part of the preparation.
“The IDF has made many preparations for a ground invasion,” Avivi said. “Overall, this always includes special operations. This is part of the process.” He noted that Hezbollah appears weakened to the extent that Israel’s dilemma will be how far to go into Lebanon. The timing and conditions for Israel’s withdrawal remain unclear, he added.
The Israeli strategy seems to focus on small incursions aimed at reconnaissance and mapping Hezbollah’s underground facilities. These tunnels have been constructed to allow the movement of fighters and weapons without detection, posing a significant security challenge for Israel.
Although there is no official confirmation from the Israeli military, WSJ sources report that Israel is preparing for a broader military operation should tensions escalate further. The potential invasion aims to neutralize Hezbollah’s infrastructure that threatens Israel’s northern regions.
Israeli Defense Minister Tells Ground Troops in the North: “We Will Use All Our Capabilities”
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant appears to have hinted at Israel’s intention to carry out a ground invasion of Lebanon, stating to troops in the northern part of the country that “we will use all our capabilities—including you.”
Gallant stated that the return of Israelis to their homes in the north—around 60,000 of whom have been forced to evacuate due to repeated rocket fire from Lebanon—is “the IDF’s mission.”
He continued: “This is what we will do, and we will deploy whatever is necessary—your units, other forces, from the air, from the sea, and the land.” He described the assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah as “a very important step, but it’s not just that.”
Lebanese Army Announces Soldier Killed by Israeli Drone
A Lebanese soldier was killed by an Israeli drone strike, the Lebanese army announced.
The country’s news agency reported that in a statement, the army noted that “one of the soldiers fell as a martyr as a result of an Israeli enemy drone targeting a motorcycle.” The incident occurred at a checkpoint.
Israel has maintained that it targets Hezbollah in Lebanon. So far, since Israel intensified its airstrikes in Lebanon, approximately 1,000 people have been killed, and 6,000 have been injured, while the government states that one million Lebanese have been forced to leave their homes.
Death Toll Rises to 45 from Israeli Strike in Ain Deleb, Southern Lebanon
Meanwhile, the death toll from an Israeli strike in Ain Deleb, southern Lebanon, has risen to 45, Reuters reports, citing Lebanon’s Ministry of Health.
